The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for Nigeria’s digital transformation to be measured by its impact on people, saying technology must deliver tangible improvements in lives, economic opportunities and participation in the digital economy.

Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO of NITDA, made the call during a high-level global dialogue on digital innovation, emerging technologies and inclusive digital transformation for sustainable development.

The dialogue brought together global leaders, development champions and technology stakeholders to examine how innovation and emerging technologies can support sustainable development and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

Abdullahi said technological sophistication should not be the primary measure of digital progress, arguing that the focus should be on the outcomes delivered to individuals, communities and economies.

“The true measure of digital transformation,” Abdullahi added, “is not the sophistication of the technology we deploy, but the number of lives we improve, opportunities we create, and people we empower to participate in the digital economy.” 

NITDA said this approach requires Nigeria to move beyond simply adopting new technologies and focus on using them to address societal challenges, improve access to services and expand economic participation.

AI, infrastructure and skills

The agency identified artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, digital skills, innovation and entrepreneurship as key components of an inclusive digital transformation agenda.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being adopted by governments, businesses and institutions globally, with applications spanning public services, business operations and economic activity.

For Nigeria, NITDA’s position is that AI adoption should be connected to practical outcomes for citizens and the wider economy rather than being driven solely by technological advancement.

Digital public infrastructure is also central to this approach. It can provide the systems and platforms needed for citizens, businesses and government institutions to access and deliver digital services at scale.

NITDA also highlighted digital skills as a critical requirement, saying technological development must be accompanied by efforts to equip Nigerians with the capabilities to use digital tools productively.

As more economic activity moves online and emerging technologies reshape industries, these skills can support new opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Inclusion at the centre

NITDA said inclusion must remain central to the country’s digital transformation, particularly as access to technology, infrastructure and digital skills can influence who benefits from the digital economy.

The agency described its broader objective as a shift from “digital transformation” to “human transformation”, where technology is deployed as a means of expanding opportunities, strengthening inclusion and improving people’s lives.

The message was delivered as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its participation in the global discussion on using technology and innovation to accelerate sustainable development.

The programme also featured Professor Muhammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, as a high-level keynote speaker.

NITDA said its focus is on building an ecosystem where emerging technologies, digital infrastructure, skills, innovation and entrepreneurship contribute to inclusive economic growth and sustainable national development.

For the agency, the effectiveness of Nigeria’s digital transformation will ultimately be reflected in the practical benefits technology delivers to citizens, businesses and communities.