Nigeria has set a target of achieving 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 as part of efforts to strengthen digital skills, expand access to technology, and prepare more citizens for participation in the digital economy.
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the Galaxy Backbone Digital Transformation Summit. He was represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnership, Dr. Aristotle Onumo.
Abdullahi said Nigeria’s large youth population presents a strong opportunity to build a globally competitive digital workforce if properly equipped with relevant skills and training.
According to him, the agency is expanding digital literacy programmes nationwide through partnerships designed to reach communities across all local government areas.
He explained that part of the strategy includes deploying Digital Literacy Champions in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who will train small business owners and informal sector operators.
The initiative, he added, is aimed at widening access to digital skills at the grassroots and bridging existing digital gaps across communities.
The NITDA boss noted that Nigeria’s broader digital strategy is focused on building a strong talent base capable of supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.
He further said that beyond training, the approach includes strengthening support systems for startups and innovation-driven enterprises to help them scale and access wider opportunities.
Abdullahi stressed that the success of the 70 per cent literacy target will depend on sustained collaboration between government institutions, the private sector, and development partners.
