The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has restated the agency’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through green technology and innovation.
Speaking at the 3rd Technology Ecosystem Dialogue (TED 2025), organised by the Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN), Inuwa described the forum’s theme—“Green Tech and Energy Revolution: Transforming Business and Society”—as both timely and visionary.
He commended YIN for consistently promoting innovation, nurturing talent, and driving sustainable solutions critical to Nigeria’s development.
“TED 2025 once again proves that Nigeria’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the change-makers of today,” Inuwa said, stressing the central role of young innovators in shaping the country’s future.
The NITDA DG noted that the dialogue’s theme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially its focus on economic diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.
Outlining the agency’s interventions, he cited the establishment of Technology and Innovation Hubs nationwide and flagship programmes such as iHatch, the National Innovation Challenge, IgniteHer, We Elevate, and the Renewed Hope Innovation Nest. He added that NITDA is also driving research and development in frontier technologies, including AI, IoT, blockchain, and clean energy.
“These initiatives are designed to make innovation inclusive—empowering youth, women, and MSMEs across Nigeria with digital tools to create scalable solutions,” Inuwa explained.
He emphasised that green technology adoption is no longer optional but a necessity, calling for collaboration among government, industry, academia, and citizens to build a digital, green, and inclusive future.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Krakrafaa Bestman, a sustainability expert, noted that millions of Nigerians still lack reliable electricity despite the country’s rich solar, wind, hydro, and human capital resources. He highlighted the potential of these endowments to bridge the energy gap and spur sustainable development.
Bestman outlined Nigeria’s transition targets, including plans to generate 30% of electricity from renewables by 2030 and deploy 5GW of solar capacity, alongside initiatives like the Nigerian Electrification Project and rural mini-grids.
He also underscored the importance of adopting circular economy practices—such as recycling and waste-to-energy systems—to reduce pollution while creating new economic opportunities.
For a successful energy transition, he identified three priorities; reforms to attract investment and incentivise renewable energy adoption, greater business commitment to clean energy sourcing and community partnerships and innovations that deliver safe, affordable, and locally adaptable technologies.
Bestman, however, cautioned against risks linked to renewable energy systems, including battery hazards and poorly installed solar panels, stressing the need for strict safety standards and lifecycle management.
“Green technologies must not only drive businesses but also protect the future. The world is waiting for Nigeria’s leadership in building a resilient and sustainable energy system.”, he declared.
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