The Federal Government of Nigeria and Sierra Leone are currently engaged in discussions regarding cross-border technological collaboration facilitated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
During a recent working visit to Abuja by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovations, Ms. Salima Bah, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of NITDA, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating on technological advancements.
Represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of the Corporate Planning and Strategy Department of NITDA, Inuwa emphasized this commitment as an integral part of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan spanning from 2023 to 2027.
He underlined the necessity for collaboration among various stakeholders, extending beyond the public sector, to ensure the relevance of policies and frameworks across governmental agencies.
Regarding NITDA’s regulatory approach to Information Technology (IT) matters, the Director-General stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement. He emphasized understanding stakeholders’ needs, problems, and concerns, as well as the development of effective laws and policies to address these issues.
Inuwa recommended that government agencies submit annual IT plans to facilitate monitoring of service delivery and ensure alignment with the agency’s objectives.
Ms. Bah echoed the significance of collaboration in driving Africa forward in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain. She stressed the need for Africa to leverage these technologies for mutual benefit rather than solely being consumers.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn from NITDA’s expertise in policy implementation, digital development, and enforcement of standards and guidelines, Bah indicated that the meeting marked a significant step towards fostering cross-border collaboration and advancing digital innovation within the African continent.
