By BONIFACE AKARAH

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy and supporting technology-driven transformation among businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of GITEX Nigeria in Lagos by NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, and NACCIMA Director General, Engr. Olusola Obadimu.

The partnership provides a framework for collaboration on enterprise digital transformation, digital innovation and technology adoption, capacity building for Nigerian businesses and the development of a collaborative digital ecosystem platform.

It also includes strategic cooperation towards the development and institutionalisation of the Digital Nigeria International Conference (DNICE) 2026* and subsequent editions.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, the NACCIMA Director General described the agreement as a timely intervention for the organised private sector, stressing that businesses must embrace digital transformation to remain competitive in the global economy.

“It is an excellent arrangement to have this type of protocol on digitisation and digital transformation, especially for the private sector. NACCIMA is the umbrella body of the organised private sector in Nigeria, and digital transformation is a necessity. There is no better partner to work with than NITDA, and we are happy to sign this MoU and move the partnership forward,” Obadimu said.

He disclosed that implementation of the agreement would begin immediately, saying businesses should expect to see practical outcomes from the partnership.

“We are going to hit the ground running as soon as we return to our offices for the implementation of this agreement. Nigerians will begin to see things happen almost instantaneously,” he stated.

According to him, the partnership also presents opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population, particularly those involved in innovation and digital entrepreneurship.

“Digitalisation is the way to go. As you can see, we have a youthful population, and they are the ones driving this process. We should encourage them and give them all the necessary support to go beyond Nigeria and compete on the global stage,” Obadimu said.

The collaboration is also expected to strengthen links among government institutions, private sector organisations, technology companies, academia, investors and development partners.

NITDA said the partnership aligns with its mandate of promoting technology innovation, digital literacy and business transformation, while NACCIMA’s network across the organised private sector is expected to help widen the reach of the initiative among Nigerian businesses.

•PHOTO: At the sidelines of GITEX Nigeria 2026, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance Nigeria’s digital economy. NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, signed on behalf of the Agency, while Engr. Olusola Obadimu signed on behalf of NACCIMA. Both men are seeing here displaying copies of the MoU.