The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has emphasised on the need for collaboration between government institutions and emerging startups in projecting Nigeria’s digital transformation and national development. Speaking at the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 in Abuja last week, director-general of NITDA, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa urged stakeholders to embrace partnerships as a pathway to innovation and impact.
“Take a good step, and you can make a difference,” Inuwa said, emphasising the need to translate ideas into tangible outcomes through collective effort. In his presentation on ‘Enhancing collaboration between government agencies and emerging start-ups,’ the NITDA boss, represented by the director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Aristotle Onumo, outlined four guiding principles for driving transformation: enabling the ecosystem rather than controlling it; prioritising networks over institutions; developing talent while supporting innovation and adopting practical solutions; and focusing on platforms rather than isolated projects.
Inuwa shared the story of a rural farmer whose productivity challenges ranging from unstable rents to failed loans were overcome through access to digital tools and networks. He explained that such incremental interventions can scale into broader economic gains, ultimately contributing to national infrastructure like satellite systems.
“This is the power of space technology, and it shows why events like this are so important,” he noted. Highlighting the evolving role of space technology, Inuwa observed that startups are increasingly driving innovation across telecommunications, navigation, security, and cloud services.
Once dominated by global superpowers, the sector is now emerging as a key economic driver, with Nigeria’s ‘Sunrise Packet’ projected to contribute over $1.5 billion to the economy by 2030. “Innovation without adoption is wasted,” he added, stressing the critical role of government in enabling startups to scale through supportive policies, infrastructure, and incentives.
According to him, developmental regulation should focus on creating markets, orchestrating ecosystems, and delivering public value rather than stifling innovation. He pointed to several initiatives supporting the growth of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, including the Digital Start-Up Act, Idea Hatch, and the National Digital Leadership Programme, all designed to empower young innovators and connect them to global opportunities.
He further highlighted platforms such as GITEX Africa, GITEX Nigeria, and Digital Nigeria, which provide visibility for start-ups and attract investment, partnerships, and mentorship. Inuwa concluded with a strong call for collaboration among government, startups, non-governmental organisations, and investors, describing Nigeria’s youth as the country’s greatest asset.
“If we are going to create a digital Nigeria, we must collaborate,” he said. Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani described Nigeria’s satellite infrastructure as central to the nation’s digital future.
