By Chimezie Godfrey
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating digital literacy, innovation development and economic growth across Southwest Nigeria.
The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony in Abuja, where NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, described the partnership as a major step toward leveraging human capital and strengthening regional collaboration for sustainable national development.
Inuwa commended the Southwest region for its culture of cooperation, noting that collective action remains critical to Nigeria’s progress.
According to him, “The Southwest continues to inspire when it comes to collaboration because no one succeeds in isolation. Other regions can learn from this model of cooperation. For Nigeria to grow, we must understand our strengths at both the state and regional levels and build on them.”
The NITDA boss emphasised that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people, stressing that investments in digital skills, innovation and technology are essential to expanding economic opportunities and creating prosperity.
He explained that the partnership would facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building and innovation-driven initiatives that would empower citizens to develop local solutions with national and global relevance.
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing efforts to deepen digital transformation across the country, Inuwa said the agency is expanding digital literacy programmes, supporting innovation hubs and promoting technology development nationwide.
He noted that innovation thrives where talent, infrastructure and supportive policies converge, making it imperative for every region to identify and strengthen its comparative advantages.
“Lagos has already established itself as a fintech hub and the commercial centre of the country. Abuja is emerging as a GovTech cluster, while other regions can develop specialised ecosystems around manufacturing, commerce, and other sectors. Every region possesses unique strengths that can be transformed into thriving innovation clusters,” he stated.
Expressing optimism about the collaboration, Inuwa said the partnership would accelerate the implementation of NITDA’s strategic initiatives throughout the Southwest region.
“We are excited about this partnership and look forward to translating our shared vision into tangible outcomes. While engagements have already commenced, I would like to see even greater momentum after the signing of this MoU,” he added.
In his remarks, Director General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, underscored the importance of digital literacy in preparing citizens for future opportunities and ensuring active participation in the digital economy.
Oyeleye noted that the Commission, which coordinates development initiatives across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states, regards the partnership as a strategic platform for advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
According to him, “Nigeria has committed to equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030. Southwest Nigeria is not merely a contributor to that vision; it is central to its success.”
He explained that the MoU formalises a shared commitment to the implementation of NITDA’s programmes, particularly the National Digital Literacy Framework, across the region.
“We will work to ensure that NITDA’s frameworks are not only implemented but strengthened. Our reach across the Southwest positions us to connect federal digital infrastructure and programmes with communities and young people who require the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy,” he said.
Oyeleye further assured NITDA of the Commission’s commitment to delivering measurable outcomes throughout the five-year duration of the agreement, stressing that the true value of development institutions lies in the impact they create.
The MoU reflects the determination of both organisations to strengthen innovation ecosystems, expand digital literacy and create sustainable economic opportunities across Southwest Nigeria, further advancing the nation’s journey toward an inclusive digital economy.
NITDA, DAWN Commission Seal Partnership to Drive Digital Literacy, Innovation Across Southwest
