In a landmark move that could reshape Northern Nigeria’s creative and technology landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) unveiled a bold new partnership with the FutureMap Foundation in Kano. The initiative seeks to establish a world-class film studio to support the growth of the Kannywood film industry while integrating specialised technology training to prepare the region for the digital economy of the future.
Addressing a gathering of tech innovators, film professionals and industry stakeholders at the PRNigeria Centre for Research and Development in Kano, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, spoke passionately about the potential for creative and digital industries to drive economic transformation in Northern Nigeria. He underscored that this is not just an investment in infrastructure but a strategic effort to harness storytelling and technology as twin engines for social and economic progress.
NITDA’s vision includes building advanced infrastructure, training creative professionals, and fostering innovation ecosystems that can compete on both national and global stages. The initiative, announced on January 6, 2026, marks a significant pivot towards integrating film, digital skills and technology education in ways that could redefine opportunities for youths and creative talents in the region.
Table of Contents
Addressing Challenges in Kannywood
The Kannywood film industry, rooted in Kano and a vibrant part of Nigeria’s cultural output, has long struggled with limited resources, outdated facilities and an operational environment that has not always been friendly to growth. According to stakeholders, filmmakers in Northern Nigeria have often worked with minimal investment in production quality, distribution and technology.
At the roundtable in Kano, NITDA’s Director-General pointed out that filmmakers hold immense power in shaping public narratives and influencing societal values. He encouraged producers to focus not just on entertainment and revenue but also on content that inspires innovation, encourages learning and nurtures the next generation of digital builders.
This emphasis aligns with broader efforts to elevate Kannywood beyond its traditional audience, encouraging productions that can compete beyond Nigeria’s borders and contribute meaningfully to the regional creative economy. With about 200 films produced monthly by the Hausa-language cinema industry, the potential for expansion is significant.
Studio Infrastructure and Skills Development
A central component of this initiative is the planned construction of a modern film studio that will house cutting-edge production and post-production facilities. Beyond bricks and mortar, NITDA promises to establish incubation centres designed to nurture startups and emerging technology ventures linked to the creative sector.
These incubation hubs will provide workshops, mentorship programmes and specialised training in areas such as animation, digital editing, artificial intelligence applications in media and other emerging technologies. The push towards capacity building aims to equip creatives with tools and knowledge that extend far beyond traditional filmmaking.
Industry professionals at the event welcomed the plan. The President of the Professional Film Directors Association of Nigeria, Nasiru B. Muhammad, highlighted that the industry has faced an “unfriendly operational environment” for years and expressed optimism that the support from NITDA could usher in a new era for Kannywood. He also called for technology support, especially in developing localized AI tools for translation and subtitling that could help films reach broader audiences.
Innovation Showcase and Future Outlook
The roundtable was more than an announcement. It also served as a showcase for homegrown digital solutions developed by local innovators. Two standout projects were PRev, a software that uses human-augmented intelligence for media analytics, and SchoolTra, an educational tech platform designed for efficient student record management.
NITDA’s Kashifu Inuwa praised the creators of these innovations, urging them to broaden collaboration and enhance the visibility of their solutions nationwide. He said this approach reflects NITDA’s broader strategy to leverage technology to build strong digital industries that support economic growth and job creation.
Looking ahead, the partnership between NITDA and the PRNigeria Centre for Research and Development, which has trained over 2,500 beneficiaries in digital skills since 2021, will deepen. Plans are in place to expand training programmes to include Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications targeting students, journalists, and tech enthusiasts across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
This expansion is part of NITDA’s 2026 roadmap, which focuses on integrating high-tech tools into creative sectors to make Nigeria a leader in Africa’s digital economy. Such efforts complement other digital transformations across the country, including initiatives to build digital skills, foster cybersecurity expertise and bridge the gap between technology and traditional industries.
Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems
Participants at the preceding FutureMap Foundation event also agreed on practical steps to build stronger innovation ecosystems. These include deepening collaboration between government, academia and private industry, supporting startups with needed resources, and formalising programmes that nurture future-ready talent across diverse sectors.
By positioning Kano as a competitive hub for both technology and creative talent, stakeholders hope to unlock new opportunities for youth employment, cultural expression and economic resilience. This regional push reflects a wider national ambition to harness technology as a unifying force for development and global competitiveness, according to NITDA.
NITDA’s commitment to digital transformation extends beyond Kano. Across the country, the agency has rolled out digital centres in educational institutions and partnered with global and local organisations to bridge gaps in digital literacy, innovation and local content production.
With this new studio initiative, Northern Nigeria’s film industry and the broader tech ecosystem may be on the brink of an exciting new chapter. The blend of creative storytelling, technology education and innovation support could redefine what is possible for Kannywood and regional economic growth in the years to come.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
