By Busola Bamidele
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), led by its Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, showcased Nigeria’s efforts to foster digital transformation and sovereignty at the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The forum, themed “Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future,” brought together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss pressing issues in the evolving digital economy.
During the session titled “Digital Transformation and Sovereignty: A Route to Autarchy,” Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s strides in building a resilient national cybersecurity framework and ensuring inclusive digital policymaking.

He explained how these initiatives empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by creating a secure and enabling environment for digital innovation and business growth.
Inuwa also emphasized the delicate balance between achieving digital sovereignty and maintaining global interconnectedness. “Digital transformation is pivotal for economic development, but sovereignty must not come at the expense of global collaboration,” he noted.
By sharing Nigeria’s experiences, Inuwa positioned the country as a leader in leveraging digital governance to empower entrepreneurs and SMEs.
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The forum provided a platform for dialogue with international stakeholders, focusing on innovative approaches to address cybersecurity challenges, foster digital inclusion, and strengthen the global digital ecosystem.
The session concluded with a call for cross-sector collaboration to ensure that digital governance supports businesses, especially SMEs, in navigating the opportunities and risks of the digital age.

Leaders from high-risk, digitally advanced regions also shared insights, offering strategies to achieve sustainable digital growth while preserving sovereignty.
This global engagement underscores NITDA’s commitment to driving SME development and economic growth through digital empowerment, aligning with Nigeria’s broader vision for a tech-driven future.
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