National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have signed a 5‑year Memorandum of Understanding (2025–2030) to deliver digital technology projects across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo. The partnership will roll out digital literacy programs and NITDA’s full portfolio (innovation hubs, technology development centres, startup support and regulatory initiatives) to accelerate digital transformation, spur innovation and foster inclusive economic growth in the South‑west, positioning the region as Nigeria’s digital hub and expanding access for millions.
Aligned with the national “Digital Literacy‑for‑All” goal to equip 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030, the program aims to leverage the South‑west’s dense population, concentration of tertiary institutions and strong human capital; DAWN’s Digital Literacy and Startup Act Implementation Plan, prepared ahead of the signing, will coordinate and measure activities across the six states.
NITDA Director‑General Alhaji Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi noted that regional collaboration is the most reliable path to balanced digital development, pointing to the GDP gap between Lagos and other states as both a challenge and an opportunity, and outlining plans for digital learning centres and functioning innovation hubs in every state. He said the partnership will follow a regional technology model that builds distinct innovation clusters tied to local industries rather than replicating a single fintech template.
The NITDA DG also praised President Bola Tinubu’s creation of regional development commissions as a deliberate, proactive approach to national development, contrasting them with earlier crisis‑driven commissions.
DAWN Director‑General Dr. Seye Oyeleye described the agreement as regional preparation for implementation and monitoring, adding that NITDA will gain value from the arrangement; under the MoU, DAWN will serve as the coordinating layer between NITDA’s national programs and the six state governments, while both organizations agree to define the governance structure for execution.
