The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is calling for stronger collaboration with Nigerians in the diaspora as the country intensifies efforts to build a more competitive, innovative and globally connected digital economy.
The agency believes Nigerians living and working abroad represent a significant pool of technical expertise, investment capital, international networks and industry experience that can help accelerate the development of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
The call is consistent with NITDA’s broader digital transformation strategy, which recognises diaspora engagement as an important pathway for transferring knowledge, strengthening local capacity and connecting Nigerian innovators to international opportunities. NITDA’s digital economy policy has also specifically identified the need to enlist Nigerian ICT professionals in the diaspora to support the country’s technology development.
The agency has repeatedly stressed that Nigeria’s digital ambitions cannot be achieved through government action alone. Strong partnerships involving technology companies, investors, researchers, startups, academia and Nigerians abroad will be necessary to create an ecosystem capable of producing globally competitive solutions.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa has previously emphasised the importance of building partnerships with Nigerians abroad, noting that such collaboration would allow the country to tap into the skills and resources of its diaspora community.
“We need to harness the skills and resources of Nigerians in the diaspora,” Inuwa said, stressing the potential of partnerships with Nigerians living outside the country.
The renewed emphasis on diaspora collaboration comes as Nigeria continues to expand initiatives around digital skills, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, innovation and technology entrepreneurship. NITDA has also been seeking stronger partnerships with startups, investors, researchers and industry players to accelerate the growth of the country’s technology ecosystem.
Beyond financial investment, diaspora professionals can contribute through mentorship, research partnerships, technology transfer, startup investment and access to international markets. Their participation could also help Nigerian technology companies establish stronger connections with global customers and investors.
The wider push reflects Nigeria’s ambition to move beyond being primarily a consumer of technology toward becoming a significant producer of digital products, services and intellectual property.
With millions of Nigerians living and working across major global technology and business centres, stronger engagement with the diaspora could provide Nigeria with an important advantage: access to global expertise while retaining a strong connection to the country’s growing domestic technology ecosystem.
For NITDA, the objective is clear build partnerships that turn Nigeria’s global talent network into a practical engine for innovation, investment, job creation and sustainable digital economic growth.
