NITDA, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Move to Deepen U.S.-Nigeria Digital Partnership
By Azeez Ajibola Afolabi
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s drive to build a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive digital economy through strategic partnerships with international technology companies.
Inuwa spoke in Abuja when he received a delegation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Business Council, led by the President of the U.S.-Africa Business Center, Kendra Gaither. The delegation included representatives of Microsoft, Citi Bank, Cavista Holdings, Flutterwave, Tolaram Group and the U.S. Embassy.
The meeting focused on expanding U.S.-Nigeria collaboration in digital transformation, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data governance and technology investment.
According to Inuwa, Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda rests on two pillars: guaranteeing citizens reliable access to essential digital services, and enabling them to create value within the digital economy.
“Our policy intent is just about two things. First, to make sure our citizens have basic access, no matter what. What I mean by no matter what means we should have a capacity for digital self-determination,” he said.
He explained that NITDA’s sovereign cloud initiative is designed to strengthen national control over critical digital infrastructure, improve resilience, mitigate risks and ensure flexibility in technology adoption.
Digital sovereignty, he stressed, is not about shutting out global players.
“It’s not about politics. It’s not about locking our doors against anybody, but it’s about inviting you to come and build with us,” he said.
Inuwa noted that investment in local data centres and cloud infrastructure will unlock opportunities for Nigerian businesses, drive innovation, and position Nigeria as a technology hub for West and Central Africa. He disclosed that the Federal Government invested over N4.5 trillion in information technology between June 2023 and June 2026, adding that with the right policies, more government tech services could be migrated to locally-hosted sovereign cloud platforms.
On concerns around data localisation, especially in the fintech ecosystem, Inuwa said NITDA is working with regulators including the Central Bank of Nigeria to develop a clear assurance framework that supports compliance and encourages investment in local infrastructure.
He emphasized the need for interoperability and portability in the cloud market.
“We need that portability. If Google has better services, I should be able to move my services from Microsoft to Google or AWS,” he said.
He added that NITDA had previously co-created policies like the cloud-first policy with both global tech firms and local providers, and encouraged continued engagement to align investments with Nigeria’s digital priorities. He also invited Cavista Holdings, which proposed collaboration on digital transformation and workforce development, to submit a formal proposal for review.
Earlier, Gaither said the American business community is keen to deepen commercial ties with Nigeria, noting that regulatory clarity and investment predictability are critical for expanding bilateral cooperation.
She described Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s digital economy whose policy direction affects businesses across West Africa and the continent. She said U.S. companies are seeking constructive dialogue to better understand Nigeria’s evolving regulatory environment and want to comply while scaling their operations.
Gaither flagged overlapping regulatory responsibilities and the need for greater clarity in cloud computing, data governance and financial services, stressing that a secure and predictable regulatory environment would benefit both Nigerian and international investors.
She acknowledged Nigeria’s growing leadership in digital policy and trade on the continent and expressed the Chamber’s readiness to share international experience and sustain engagement with NITDA to unlock partnerships that advance Nigeria’s digital transformation and U.S. commercial interests.
