In line with the Federal Government’s drive to diversify Nigeria’s economy through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, and manufacturing, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the country’s creative and arts industry through targeted digital initiatives, enabling regulations, and strategic infrastructure development aimed at unlocking the sector’s full economic potential.
The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, made this known while speaking at Moment 2026, described as Africa’s largest convergence of creators, where he emphasised the Agency’s focus on building a technology-driven ecosystem that allows creators to thrive, innovate, and compete globally.
Represented at the event by the Director of the DG’s Office, Dr Ayodeji Eniola, Inuwa highlighted the growing economic importance of Nigeria’s creative sector, noting that the industry, currently valued at over $9 billion, has the potential to exceed $13 billion in the coming years if adequately supported.
“Nigeria has always been a nation of storytellers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and innovators. What is remarkable today is that this creativity has evolved beyond cultural expression to become a powerful economic force,” he said.
He explained that at the core of NITDA’s interventions is digital talent development, stressing that through flagship programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, the Agency is equipping young Nigerians with critical skills in animation, visual effects, game development, and digital media. According to him, this is to ensure they are well-prepared to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the global creator economy.
The NITDA boss further underscored the critical role of technology in shaping the future of the creative industry, noting that the intersection of creativity and digital innovation is now indispensable.
“Today, creativity is powered by connectivity, computing power, digital platforms, and data. A smartphone, a laptop, and access to the internet can enable a young Nigerian to reach millions of people around the world,” he stated.
To drive this transformation, Inuwa disclosed that NITDA is spearheading the development of key digital infrastructure, including the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, designed to provide secure and scalable local computing resources for creators and digital entrepreneurs.
He added that the Agency is also supporting national broadband expansion efforts such as Project BRIDGE, which aims to improve connectivity and broaden participation in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Beyond infrastructure, Inuwa noted that NITDA is strengthening regulatory frameworks that promote cybersecurity, data protection, and digital trust—critical safeguards for protecting creators’ intellectual property and ensuring safe participation in online ecosystems.
He further revealed that the Agency is leveraging emerging technologies to position Nigeria as a leader in innovation within the creative space. Through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), NITDA is advancing research and capacity building in artificial intelligence, enabling creators to integrate cutting-edge tools into content production and digital storytelling.
Reinforcing the broader national vision, the DG called on young creators to recognise the economic and global significance of their work.
“Your creativity is not just entertainment. It is innovation, intellectual property, economic opportunity, and national influence,” he said.
Inuwa reiterated NITDA’s commitment to sustaining policies, developing infrastructure, and fostering innovation ecosystems that will empower Nigeria’s creative sector to grow, generate employment, and contribute significantly to the country’s economic diversification agenda.