Digital ecosystem will create value, wealth and prosperity in Nigeria- DG NITDA

• As NADDC launches first Nigerian assembled Hyundai KONA Electric Vehicle

The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) Mallam Kasifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has reassured that ecosystem is a sure way in creating value, wealth and prosperity, especially now that Nigeria is on its course to become one of the leading digital economies in the world.

Abdullahi made this remarks in Abuja, during the unveiling ceremony of the first Nigerian assembled Hyundai KONA Electric Vehicle, launched by National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).

He explained that creating ecosystem is the only way to easily get value that will enable growth, wealth and prosperity.

Abdullahi noted that with the introduction of electric vehicles in the country, the nation is definitely advancing towards a vibrant economy.

He recounted the economic success of South Korea, which, he said was not as developed as Nigeria 20 years ago, but today they have advanced in innovative technology.

The NITDA boss aligned with the Minister for Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), who spoke earlier at the event, that innovation is a rebirth of the reassembling of cars in Nigeria, stressing that Nigeria should advance in the participation of building parts and not only in the assemblage of the automobile.

He revealed that NITDA is working with start-ups, and young Nigerian entrepreneurs to develop ground breaking ideas on automobile, using Internet of Things (IOT), renewable energy and others.

He expressed his passionate excitement about the launching of the electric automobile, adding that “This is an opportunity to work together to challenge our start-ups.”

According to him, NITDA is driven towards innovation and technology advancement, as well as committed to implementing the National Digital Economic Policy and Strategy for a digital Nigeria.

“Our mandate is to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and regulation of Information Technology practices in Nigeria”, the DG NITDA said.

He declared that the recent ground breaking of National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (NDIEC) established by NITDA is in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) of the Federal Government and its commitment to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years as promised by Mr President.

“The NDIE Centre is intended to provide facilities that would encourage inquisitive perspectives and create opportunities for entrepreneurs to transform their skills to productivity. In addition, the Centre will provide the opportunity for start-ups to accelerate their innovations through design thinking sessions and co-innovation workshops,” he explained.

Abdullahi affirmed that the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, under the auspicious leadership of Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, is making enormous strides in promoting the President Muhammadu Buhari’s digital agenda by ensuring that Information Technology becomes a relevant tool in the nation’s development.

He commended the Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu, and their partners, Stallion Group, for their innovation and contribution to the technological advancement of Nigeria.

He also assured the NADDC and the Stallion Group that Nigerians have been very eager to use the Hyundai’s KONA, the first all-electric vehicle, since its first launch in Lagos on the 13th of November 2020.

Mallam Abdullahi, in company of other dignitaries, took a ride in the newly unveiled vehicle to the applause and admiration of everyone present.