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The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has advocated for a cohesive alliance between Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the government in furthering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, characterizing the nation’s current trajectory as one that necessitates shared accountability rather than apportioning blame.
Speaking at the inaugural Civil Society Summit on Civil Democracy and National Development, convened at the Rotunda Conference Hall of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Inuwa underscored that reforming Nigeria’s economy to achieve sustained and inclusive growth is a collective endeavor, not solely the responsibility of the government.
He urged stakeholders to transition from mere critique to collaborative co-creation in national policy initiatives. He articulated, “There are certain actions that the government can undertake which civil society cannot, and likewise, there are roles that civil society can fulfill that the government cannot, but together, we can accomplish far greater objectives.”
Outlining the eight priority domains of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which encompass economic reform, national security, agricultural transformation, natural resource development, infrastructure expansion, enhancement of the social sector, industrial diversification, and governance improvement, Inuwa emphasized the significance of a national consensus in realizing substantive progress.
“If we converge on this vision, we must advance collectively, irrespective of who occupies governmental positions. What holds paramount importance is the continuity of vision and the collective determination to actualize it,” he asserted.
He further championed the strategic employment of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to augment productivity in critical sectors such as agriculture, health, and education.
Citing ongoing partnerships, he disclosed that NITDA is presently aiding the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in the deployment of a digital citizen engagement platform powered by AI, meticulously designed to co-create impactful policies in collaboration with the youth.
“Technology furnishes us with instruments to amplify ideas and enhance productivity exponentially. Nigeria is not deficient in ideas; rather, what we require are the requisite tools and the resolve to execute them promptly,” Inuwa articulated.
Inuwa concluded by accentuating the necessity of cultivating trust through engagement, asserting that the trust deficit between the government and citizens frequently arises from insufficient interaction.
“Mr. President harbors a vision for Nigeria. Consequently, we should all endeavor to unite in support of him in realizing that vision. If we reach an agreement, we will establish a consensus that fosters trust. And when we cultivate trust, we can triumph in the present and elevate Nigeria to greatness,” he concluded.
The summit served as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to synchronize on national priorities, enhance civic participation, and reinforce the role of civil society in steering Nigeria towards sustainable development and democratic consolidation.
Photo Caption:
DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, giving a thought-provoking address at the event in Abuja
