Nigeria’s Federal Government is linking its ambition to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030 with broadband expansion, startup financing and investment in local computing infrastructure. National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi outlined the priorities at the Global Tech Africa event in Kano on November 6.
Digital literacy, however, depends on more than teaching people to use computers. Citizens also need affordable internet, reliable electricity, accessible devices and useful services. Without these conditions, training targets may not translate into meaningful participation in the digital economy.
Digital Literacy Needs Measurable Outcomes
NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All initiative supports the 2030 target, with an interim goal of 70 per cent by 2027. Its National Digital Literacy Dashboard tracks interventions and reported outcomes across the country.
The dashboard’s current public snapshot records 2,783,731 people as digitally literate, against an estimated target population of 50 million for the 2027 milestone. That represents 5.57 per cent of the stated target population, not 5.57 per cent of Nigeria’s entire population. The figures indicate the scale of the task, although the verification methodology remains important when interpreting progress.
Attendance at a digital skills course does not automatically establish proficiency. NITDA has called for assessments that show what participants can actually do with the skills acquired.
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Fibre Expansion and Local Computing
Inuwa highlighted Project BRIDGE, the Federal Government’s plan to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure across Nigeria. The communications ministry says it is designed to connect all 36 states, the FCT and more than 770 local government areas.
The project has secured development-finance commitments, including $500 million from the World Bank Group and a $200 million African Development Bank loan. These commitments are not completed infrastructure. Construction, last-mile connections, affordability and maintenance will determine whether households, schools and businesses benefit.
NITDA is also advancing the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative to strengthen local data storage and processing. Its success will require reliable power, cybersecurity safeguards, skilled personnel and transparent procurement.
Startup Funding and African AI
At the Kano event, Inuwa said NITDA was working with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority to establish six startup funds. He did not announce their sizes, eligibility conditions or disbursement dates, leaving the practical availability of the proposed financing unclear.
He also said Africa contributes less than two per cent of data used to train AI models, calling for locally developed systems that reflect African languages and contexts. The event report did not provide a dataset supporting that estimate.
Back Story: A Target in the 2020–2030 Policy
The 95 per cent goal predates the latest announcement. Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, covering 2020 to 2030, set the target as part of a plan to build digital skills, expand infrastructure and grow technology businesses. NITDA’s roadmap and Digital Literacy for All programme provide implementation channels.
The challenge is delivery. Transparent reporting, credible skills assessments and affordable connectivity will determine whether the 2030 ambition represents real digital capability rather than a headline figure.
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