NITDA to work with space engineers on Nigeria’s digital transformation
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has promised to work with space engineers to unlock opportunities in space technology ecosystem to improve technology transformation in Nigeria.
Kashifu Abudullahi, the director general, of NITDA, emphasised that to achieve digital transformation in Nigeria, there is need to efficiently use the vast opportunities embedded in the space technology ecosystem.
Abdullahi said this yesterday at the Corporate Headquarters of the agency when he met with delegates from the Nigerian Institute of Space Engineers (NISEng) led by its National Chairman, Engr Okpanachi George, who came to seek for possible collaboration with the agency.
According to the Abudullahi, it is a good development for federal government agencies to partner with private organizations, adding that NITDA as the regulator of IT in the country, has put in place, policies and created an enabling environment for producers and professionals to come in and create innovations which will sustain a digital Nigeria.
He further stated that contrary to beliefs that satellites are obsolete, emerging technologies is now transforming the space technology ecosystem which will evolve a new chapter and give rise to enormous transformation in the industry.
Abdullahi averred that the agency is excited to partner with the NISEng because he believes the collaboration will drive innovations, as the space technology ecosystem is everywhere and encompasses different sectors like the Communications, Agriculture and Security.
He said that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics play a key role in the digital space, and as such, NITDA, through its National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) will collaborate with the NISEng in coming up with ideas which will transform the country through initiatives such as the research and development, blockchain, artificial intelligence and innovations.
The DG added that capacity building is an important factor in research and development and the agency will give its support in capturing all demography especially the young start-ups in order to create a robust local content which will prepare and position the country for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
He said the agency is really looking forward to the collaboration because he believes the two organizations will exploit all possible innovations, ideas and commercialize them which in turn will consequently transform NISEng into a competitive, globally standard institute and sustain a digital Nigeria as a whole.
Earlier in his remarks, Engr Okpanachi thanked the NITDA DG and management staff for taking time out of their busy schedule to receive them.
He said he had been following NITDA’s activities for some time and is greatly marveled at the agency’s dynamism and passion in sustaining a digital Nigeria.
