Nigeria's Digital Strategy Needs Local Government Involvement

The article by Shuaib S. Agaka discusses the necessity for Nigeria's digital strategy to extend beyond federal initiatives to include active participation from state governments.

Kashifu Inuwa emphasizes the importance of partnerships and interconnected networks to drive innovation. Despite the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) making visible progress in technology-driven economic growth, there are concerns about Nigeria's ability to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

The article highlights that the current approach risks becoming policy-driven rather than market-driven, which could stifle growth. It points out the uneven investment in technology hubs and digital training programs across states, leading to disparities in technological advancement.

Bosun Tijani's comments underscore that infrastructure alone does not guarantee impact; effective utilization at the local level is crucial. The article calls for a shift in mindset among state governments to view technology as a core component of their economic strategies, advocating for investments in digital skills and local startups.