NITDA Championing Digital Sovereignty on the Global Stage

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the leadership of its Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, is at the forefront of shaping Nigeria’s digital future and asserting its presence in global digital governance. At the 19th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, NITDA played a pivotal role in the global dialogue surrounding digital transformation and sovereignty.

Themed “Building our Multistakeholder Digital Future,” the IGF 2024 convened a diverse array of policymakers, industry leaders, and experts from across the globe to deliberate on the most pressing issues in the digital space. Speaking at a high-profile session titled “Digital Transformation and Sovereignty: A Route to Autarchy,” Inuwa highlighted Nigeria’s proactive measures in ensuring a secure, inclusive, and sovereign digital ecosystem.

In his address, Inuwa outlined NITDA’s commitment to:

1. Strengthening National Cybersecurity: By developing a robust cybersecurity framework, NITDA aims to protect Nigeria’s digital infrastructure from evolving threats.
2. Inclusive Policymaking: Engaging stakeholders from all sectors to shape policies that reflect the nation’s digital ambitions while accommodating diverse perspectives.
3. Balancing Sovereignty and Interconnectedness: Advocating for Nigeria’s digital autonomy while fostering collaboration in the interconnected global digital landscape.

Inuwa also shared Nigeria’s journey in addressing challenges such as cyber threats, digital literacy gaps, and economic inequalities exacerbated by the digital divide. He emphasized the role of international cooperation in addressing these issues, underscoring the need for shared strategies and resources.

The session concluded with a call to action: stakeholders from digitally advanced and high-risk regions were urged to collaborate, ensuring that the internet remains a resource for global good. The discussions reinforced the idea that achieving digital sovereignty does not equate to isolation but requires innovative solutions and partnerships that respect individual nations’ autonomy while promoting global cohesion.

The participation of NITDA in the IGF 2024 not only positioned Nigeria as a key player in global digital governance but also demonstrated its readiness to leverage international platforms to drive its digital transformation agenda. With continued efforts under Kashifu Inuwa’s leadership, Nigeria is well-poised to lead in the ongoing evolution of the global digital ecosystem.