The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reiterated on the vital role of renewable energy and digital innovation in accelerating inclusive growth and transforming rural communities across Nigeria.
Speaking as a panelist at the Civil Society Policy Forum during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C., Inuwa described renewable energy as a “fundamental enabler” for digital inclusion and economic empowerment.
“Renewable energy is not the destination. It is a catalyst when there is power, connectivity follows, and that connectivity triggers true transformation,” he said.
Inuwa illustrated how access to clean energy and technology can transform rural livelihoods, citing examples of AI-powered farming tools, online platforms for women entrepreneurs, and remote digital jobs that allow youths to earn globally while living locally.
The NITDA boss linked these initiatives to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises sustainability, diversification, and inclusivity.
Inuwa disclosed that NITDA, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, is integrating digital literacy into Nigeria’s school curriculum from kindergarten to tertiary levels.
“Our vision is clear, our journey is set, and our resolve is stronger than ever. We invite everyone to join us in building a digitally empowered and prosperous Nigeria,” Inuwa concluded.
Also speaking at the session, Fowzia Hassan, Senior Operations Officer, Infrastructure at the World Bank Group, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to expanding energy access across Africa through its ambitious Mission 300 (M300) initiative targeting 300 million new connections by 2030.
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