Southwest’s Digital Leap: NITDA, DAWN Unite to Build Nigeria’s Next Innovation Corridor

Director General NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, Director General DAWN Commission Dr Seye Oyeleye alongside representatives of both organisations, display signed copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) upon its signing at NITDA Headquarters, Abuja.

Southwest’s Digital Leap: NITDA, DAWN Unite to Build Nigeria’s Next Innovation Corridor

By Gloria Sarauniya Usman

ABUJA, NIGERIA June, 2026 -

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating digital literacy, innovation, and technology-driven economic growth across Southwest Nigeria, in a move expected to strengthen the region’s position as a major hub in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, described the partnership as a practical demonstration of how regional collaboration can unlock economic opportunities and drive national development. He noted that Nigeria’s greatest asset remains its people and stressed that investments in digital skills, innovation, and technology are critical to creating jobs, enhancing productivity, and fostering long-term prosperity.

Inuwa said the agreement would support the expansion of digital literacy programmes, innovation ecosystems, and capacity-building initiatives across the six Southwest states. He highlighted the region’s tradition of cooperation and urged other parts of the country to adopt similar models, noting that innovation thrives where talent, infrastructure, and enabling policies converge. According to him, the collaboration will help translate local strengths into globally competitive digital solutions while advancing Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda.

On his part, DAWN Commission Director-General, Seye Oyeleye, described the partnership as a significant step towards preparing millions of Nigerians for opportunities in the digital economy. He said the Commission would leverage its extensive network across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states to drive the implementation of NITDA’s National Digital Literacy Framework and other technology-focused programmes at the grassroots level.

Both organisations expressed confidence that the five-year partnership would deliver measurable outcomes in digital skills development, innovation growth, and economic inclusion. Beyond expanding access to technology, the collaboration is expected to position Southwest Nigeria as a leading innovation corridor, supporting the Federal Government’s ambition of building a knowledge-based economy powered by digital talent and entrepreneurship.