The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, technology startups, investors, researchers and academia to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.The agency said sustained partnerships across the public and private sectors are essential to turning technological ideas and research into practical solutions capable of creating jobs, stimulating economic growth and improving public service delivery.The call was made at the 20th Nigeria Computer Society International Conference 2026, held in Jos, Plateau State, where technology professionals, policymakers, academics, investors and other industry stakeholders discussed ways emerging technologies could contribute to inclusive economic growth.Representing NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, the agency’s Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, said Nigeria’s ability to compete in the global digital economy would depend largely on its capacity to invest in innovation, research, digital skills and strategic partnerships.According to him, NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan places strong emphasis on expanding digital literacy, promoting research and development, improving cybersecurity and creating an environment where innovation-driven businesses can thrive.Onumo said the agency was working to position Digital Nigeria as a platform where policymakers, investors, startups, researchers and technology companies could work together to develop solutions capable of addressing national challenges.He also highlighted NITDA’s efforts to create more opportunities for technology entrepreneurs and startups through programmes aimed at encouraging investment, collaboration and the development of locally produced digital solutions.The agency further encouraged innovators and startup founders at the conference to take part in the forthcoming Builders Summit, which will provide an opportunity to showcase indigenous technologies and solutions designed to address pressing development challenges in Nigeria.The growing emphasis on collaboration comes at a time when countries around the world are increasing investment in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, as they seek to strengthen their digital economies and attract technology-related investments.Declaring the conference open, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described digital technology as increasingly important to effective governance and economic development.He said his administration had adopted digital solutions to improve government operations, strengthen internally generated revenue and enhance the delivery of public services.Mutfwang also pointed to the potential of technology to transform agriculture by improving productivity and contributing to food security. He urged participants to ensure that ideas and recommendations emerging from the conference result in practical and measurable outcomes.The President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Prof. Muhammad Sirajo, said the conference was designed to bring together key stakeholders to develop strategies for using emerging technologies to support Nigeria’s economic transformation.Speaking on the theme, “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance,” Sirajo identified artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity and robotics as some of the technologies that will increasingly shape economies and societies.He noted that Nigeria’s large youthful population and expanding technology ecosystem provide significant opportunities for the country to build a globally competitive digital industry. However, he stressed that sustained investment in digital infrastructure, innovation and human capital would be critical to achieving that ambition.The conference brought together representatives of government, regulators, technology companies, academic institutions, development organisations and the private sector to examine policies, technologies and partnerships that could advance Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
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