Welcome to Nigeria – The Giant of Africa
Nigeria, often referred to as the Giant of Africa, is the continent’s most populous country, with over 216 million citizens. It’s a culturally rich and vibrant nation with more than 250 ethnic groups. The three major ethnic groups are Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, and English is the official language. Nigeria is bordered by Benin, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and the Atlantic Ocean via the Gulf of Guinea. The capital city, Abuja, is located in the centre of the country Spanning 924,000 square kilometres, Nigeria is an emerging market with abundant natural resources and a mixed economy. It is the 7th largest petroleum producer globally and has a robust financial, legal, and communications sector.
Nigeria’s Digital & Technological Transformation
Nigeria is fast becoming a leader in Africa’s tech space, boasting over 150 million internet users and a growing digital economy. Key drivers of this transformation include:
– Rapidly expanding ICT and telecom sector
– Space-based communications via the Nigerian Space Research Agency
– Broadband penetration at 43% and rising
– Major telcos like MTN, Airtel, 9mobile, and Glo operate their most profitable markets in Nigeria
About NITDA – Nigeria’s Digital Driver
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is the apex body responsible for implementing Nigeria’s IT policies and driving the country’s digital transformation. Established in 2001, NITDA has evolved to greater heights and plays a central role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
With our vision: to make Nigeria a digitally empowered nation, fostering inclusive economic growth through technological innovation, NITDA has continued to innovate, regulate, and empower through various programmes and policies that promote IT adoption across sectors.
Key Mandates and Focus Areas:
- Policy Formulation & Implementation: NITDA leads the development and implementation of key IT regulations, including the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), aimed at ensuring privacy and digital trust.
- Digital Literacy & Capacity Building: Using the digital literacy framework, NITDA provides training to thousands of Nigerians in both formal and informal sectors, especially youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
- Innovation & Start-up Ecosystem Support: NITDA implemented the Nigerian Startup Act in addition to funding innovation hubs and offering grants to promising tech startups.
- e-Government and Public Sector Digitization: NITDA works closely with MDAs to improve service delivery using digital tools, enhancing efficiency and transparency in governance.
- Partnerships & Global Engagement: NITDA actively engages in international collaborations and represents Nigeria in global internet governance forums, including IGF, WSIS, and AfIGF.
Flagship Initiatives:
- Digital Nigeria Portal & Mobile App
- National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA)
- National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
- Nigeria Startup Act Implementation
- NITDA IT Hubs in Universities
Driving Inclusive Development
With its inclusive approach, NITDA ensures that digital transformation in Nigeria leaves no one behind. It champions the use of ICT for national development while fostering a safe and innovative digital environment.