The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), describing the organisation’s global expertise as a valuable resource for transferring tested solutions and best practices to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
NITDA made this known through its Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Warowei Dimie, when the Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of the ITU, Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Director-General of NITDA, Dr. Dimie said digital skills development and capacity building were central to the discussions, as Nigeria works towards its ambitious target of achieving 70 per cent digital literacy nationwide by next year. He noted that significant progress has been recorded through strategic partnerships with the private sector and other stakeholders.
Dr. Zavazava, who was accompanied by the ITU Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Emmanuel Manasseh, outlined the mandate of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, which includes bridging the digital divide, promoting inclusive ICT development, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and supporting member states in building resilient digital infrastructure.
He said these priorities align closely with Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, adding that ITU operates across its 194 member states through regional and area offices, including its West Africa office in Dakar, Senegal, and its Africa regional office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Dr. Zavazava highlighted ongoing collaboration with Nigeria in areas such as digital skills development, broadband infrastructure mapping, and cybersecurity. He disclosed that Nigeria is among 11 sub-Saharan African countries benefiting from a €15 million ITU–European Commission project focused on broadband infrastructure mapping and modelling.
He also noted Nigeria’s participation in global cybersecurity drills organised by ITU in partnership with the United Arab Emirates, with the last edition attracting over 136 countries.
The courtesy visit underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between international development institutions and national agencies, reaffirming the shared commitment of ITU and NITDA to leveraging ICTs for sustainable development, innovation, and inclusive socio-economic growth in Nigeria.