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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Unit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) are moving to deepen collaboration on digital transformation in Nigeria’s energy sector, with plans to deploy emerging technologies to boost efficiency, revenue, and sustainability.
The proposed partnership was the focus of a recent engagement between both organisations in Abuja, where they discussed strategies to reposition the oil and gas industry through innovation.
Speaking during the meeting, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, urged NNPC to pivot from a traditional reliance on the “exploitation” of oil and gas resources to a new approach built on the “exploration” of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics.
“Information technology has become a critical enabler across sectors,” Inuwa said. “Innovation will play a major role in shaping the future of energy production, efficiency, and sustainability in Nigeria.”
He listed NITDA’s strategic priorities as promoting digital literacy, nurturing local talent, strengthening research ecosystems, and advancing indigenous technology solutions. Reducing dependence on foreign technologies, he noted, is key to achieving digital sovereignty and sustainable economic growth.
Inuwa disclosed that NITDA will support NNPC in building a stronger innovation channel that connects the national oil company with Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem. Through incubation programmes and innovation challenges, startups will be encouraged to develop practical solutions tailored to the oil and gas industry.
He also highlighted NITDA’s ongoing initiatives to foster innovation among young Nigerians, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, many of whom are already creating solutions to real-world challenges via the Agency’s programmes.
Earlier, Director of NNPC RTI, Olatomiwa Olaniyi, said the visit was aimed at co-creating solutions and building a formidable partnership framework to accelerate innovation across the energy value chain.
Olaniyi stressed that collaboration among government agencies, industry players, and the tech ecosystem is critical to achieving sustainable innovation.
Outlining the RTI Unit’s mandate, he said it focuses on driving excellence through innovation to improve operational efficiency, boost revenue generation, and support sustainable growth across NNPC’s business areas, including upstream, gas, power, and new energy.
The unit operates a structured innovation framework built around strengthening research capabilities, developing prototypes, fostering strategic partnerships, attracting talent, and promoting a culture of continuous innovation, he added.
Both organisations underscored the importance of enabling policies and regulatory frameworks in driving innovation. Inuwa noted that effective implementation of the Nigerian Startup Act would be critical to supporting emerging tech ventures and scaling ideas into commercially viable solutions for the energy sector.
The partnership is expected to strengthen the role of technology and innovation as drivers of efficiency, diversification, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s energy industry.
Photo Caption:
The DG NITDA Kashifu Inuwa CCIE and the Director of NNPC RTI, Olatomiwa Olaniyi
