The National Information Technology Development Agency is spearheading Nigeria’s digital transformation through the Digital Literacy for All Initiative, targeting 70 percent digital literacy coverage by 2027 to drive economic growth and social inclusion.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa emphasized that meaningful digital economy development requires comprehensive digital literacy, positioning it as the foundation for Nigeria’s tech-driven economic future. The initiative encompasses all societal sectors, from schools and offices to marketplaces and underserved communities.
“Digital literacy is the foundation of our digital economy. It is not just about knowing how to use devices or apps, it is about empowering people to unlock opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic participation,” Inuwa stated during a BusinessDay CEO Forum presentation.
Nigeria’s digital evolution has achieved remarkable progress since 2001, when the first National IT Policy was introduced alongside NITDA’s establishment. At that time, fewer than 500,000 Nigerians had computer access, with ICT contributing less than 0.5 percent to GDP.
Today, over 130 million Nigerians have internet access, with ICT now contributing more than 17 percent to national GDP. This transformation demonstrates the sector’s potential for continued economic impact through expanded digital literacy coverage.
The DL4ALL Initiative employs mobile literacy campaigns, community training hubs, and accessible online platforms to bridge digital gaps. This comprehensive approach ensures both urban and rural populations gain essential digital skills required for modern economic participation.
“Our goal is simple yet transformative, to ensure every Nigerian, whether in urban or rural areas, has the digital skills required to thrive in the modern economy. A digitally literate nation is a prosperous nation,” Inuwa explained.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes digital innovation as a critical driver of economic diversification, supporting accelerated industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation sectors.
NITDA’s strategic framework encompasses eight key pillars: fostering digital literacy and talent cultivation, building robust technology research ecosystems, strengthening policy implementation, promoting inclusive digital infrastructure access, enhancing cybersecurity, nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems, forging strategic partnerships, and cultivating organizational agility.
The initiative’s success will determine Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy. By equipping citizens with essential digital skills, the program aims to create employment opportunities, drive innovation, and position Nigeria as a continental leader in digital transformation.
Economic analysts view digital literacy as crucial for Nigeria’s diversification efforts, particularly as traditional sectors face global competitiveness challenges. The 70 percent coverage target represents an ambitious but achievable goal that could unlock significant economic potential.
The program’s comprehensive approach addresses Nigeria’s digital divide while preparing the workforce for emerging opportunities in technology-driven sectors. Success in achieving the 2027 target could accelerate Nigeria’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy.
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