NCAC and NITDA Partner to Revolutionize Nigeria’s Creative Industries through Digital Innovation
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
ABUJA, NIGERIA December, 2024 - In a landmark collaboration, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have formed a strategic alliance to integrate Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries (CCI) with the country’s growing digital and innovation ecosystems.
The partnership, unveiled during a meeting at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, brings together the Director-General of NCAC, Mr. Obi Asika, and the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, along with senior officials from both organizations. This initiative aims to harness the strengths of both agencies to foster innovation, digital transformation, and growth in Nigeria’s cultural and creative sectors.
Key Initiatives Under the Partnership
1. Expanded ICE Capacity-Building Program
NCAC’s flagship program, Innovate, Create, Empower (ICE), will scale up with NITDA’s support to reach 1,000 locations nationwide, targeting the training of 2 million Nigerians by 2027. NITDA will provide state-of-the-art facilities and digital labs to boost the program’s impact.
2. Development of Digital Platforms
NCAC, with private sector collaboration, is creating digital platforms for cultural inventory, fan engagement, influencer marketing, subscription video-on-demand (SVOD), e-commerce, and capacity building. NITDA will enhance these platforms through local distribution networks and cloud services.
3. Infrastructure Modernization
NITDA will support NCAC’s digital transformation by equipping its headquarters and zonal offices with essential digital tools, including computers, tablets, podcast studios, and other consumables.
4. Collaboration on Major Events
NCAC will mobilize creative communities to participate in NITDA initiatives, including the highly anticipated GITEX Nigeria 2025, showcasing Nigeria’s creative and digital talent.
5. Launch of BuyNigeria.ng
The agencies will jointly pilot BuyNigeria.ng, an e-commerce platform to digitize Nigerian markets. Initially focusing on Kano, Lagos, Aba, and Abuja, the platform will provide greater visibility for traders and artisans, aligning with NCAC’s vision of boosting productivity in cultural and creative industries.
6. Formation of a Joint Committee
A joint committee comprising directors from NCAC and NITDA will oversee the seamless execution of shared initiatives, ensuring long-term success.
7. Integration with Nigeria’s Got Talent
NCAC’s Nigeria’s Got Talent initiative will incorporate NITDA’s digital literacy programs and gamified learning, offering creatives an opportunity to thrive in a digitally empowered environment.
This groundbreaking collaboration symbolizes a fusion of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge digital innovation, setting the stage for exponential growth in the nation’s creative and digital economies.
The Press Release was Jointly Signed by Dr. Dennis Olofu, Head of Media, NCAC and Mrs. Hadiza Umar, FNIPR, Director, Corporate Communications and Media Relations, NITDA.
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