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Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi
Director General NITDA
Assumed office
August 20th 2019
Preceded byIsa Ali Pantami
Personal details
Born
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

(1980-02-21) 21 February 1980 (age 44)
Hadejia, Jigawa State, Nigeria
Alma mater
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE (born 21 February 1980) is a Nigerian Technocrat, and as of 2024, the current Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).[1][2] His professional expertise[3] include strategy implementation, solutions architect, and transformational leadership.

Abdullahi started his career as a network engineer in 2005 at Galaxy Backbone, and has worked for many years in the private/public IT space. He is a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE Certification), and a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society[4] (NCS). In 2023, the California Metropolitan University in London conferred to him an Honorary Doctorate Degree[5] in Business Administration (Leadership and Management)–at the Leaders Without Borders Annual Business Summit.[6][7]

Career and Public Service[edit]

Prior to his election as Director General at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Abdullahi served as senior network engineer for Galaxy Backbone Ltd,[8] from 2014 to 2017, and as senior technology solutions architect for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), a position he held from 2014 to 2017.[9]

In 2017, Abdullahi was appointed Technical Assistant to the Director General of NITDA, tasked with the responsibility of implementing the Agency's strategic objectives. In 2019, he was appointed Director General of NITDA by Muhammadu Buhari, former President of Nigeria.[10] Under his leadership, NITDA made great progress in driving innovation and fostering digital inclusion nationwide.[11] In October 2023, Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu renewed Abdullahi's tenure, affirming his commitment to advancing the nation's digital agenda.[12][13]

Director-General NITDA (2019–present)[edit]

As the current Director-General/CEO of NITDA, Abdullahi leads strategic initiatives aimed at advancing Nigeria's ICT ecosystem. Under his guidance, NITDA has successfully implemented several strategic initiatives[14][15] and projects to promote digital inclusion,[16] drive innovation, create jobs[17] and improve access to critical IT[18] infrastructure nationwide.[19]

The impact of NITDA on Nigeria's ICT sector through the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS)[20] and its Strategic Roadmap[21] has significantly contributed to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In the first quarter of 2020, the sector contributed 14.07% to the GDP, which increased to 17.92% in the second quarter of 2021, rose to 18.44% in the second quarter of 2022,[22][23] and to over 19.5% in the second quarter of 2023.[24]

Abdullahi's expertise and leadership[25] have played a significant role in shaping Nigeria's IT industry.[26] Since assuming the role of Director General at NITDA, he has prioritised skills development, upskilling, and reskilling over 1.5 million Nigerians[27] across various career disciplines.[28] Additionally, he has been instrumental in formulating critical policy frameworks guiding the Nigerian government's interventions in the IT ecosystem.[29]

In 2019, Abdullahi oversaw the issuance[30] of endorsement certificates to over 1,000 Indigenous IT companies and service providers, as part of NITDA's commitment to supporting local businesses. Abdullahi also facilitated the issuance of licenses to 12 local OEMs[31] and over 100 data protection companies,[32] contributing to Nigeria's competitive IT landscape.

Contributions to the Agency[edit]

Abdullahi's leadership at NITDA has been marked by transformative rebranding[33] of the Agency with approved Conditions and Scheme of Service through internal design, development and implementation of the "Systemic Reform and Development of NITDA" to train and maintain skilled staff[34] and emerge as a dynamic force driving innovation and progress in the ICT sector.[35] One of Abdullahi's notable achievements was spearheading the development and implementation of the NITDA Strategic Roadmap & Action Plan (SRAP2021-2024),[36] a blueprint to provide direction and ensure the consolidation of the gains of the digital economy, as well as creation of jobs, particularly for Nigeria's youth.[37]

Abdullahi's commitment to advancing Nigeria's digital landscape is evident in his multifaceted approach to capacity building[38] and Human resource development. Through initiatives like the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA)[39] and the Nigeria Digital Agriculture Strategy (NDAS-2020-2030),[40] he aimed to equip farmers with modern technology and innovative farming techniques. Additionally, his supported the design and implementation of IT clearance for government MDAs streamlined processes, which cleared 866 projects from 336 Federal Public Institutions (FPIs), saving the government ₦305.96 billion since 2019.[41]

Abdullahi's leadership led to significant achievements in information security and digital innovation. His agency's attainment of ISO 27001:2013 Certification[42] marked a milestone for the Agency, showcasing Abdullahi's dedication to high standards in data management. He also encouraged the promotion of Nigerian content in IT[43] through improved ICT goods and services[44] and worked on bridging the digital divide by deploying 320 digital economy centers.[45] These efforts not only empowered citizens with digital resources[46][47] but also attracted a total inflow of US$4.04 billion in Foreign Direct Investments (FDI),[48] reflecting international confidence in Nigeria's digital future under Abdullahi's guidance.

He unveiled the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI)[49] a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to inspire the creation of innovative solutions to domestic issues, support the incubation of ideas and develop an enabling environment for start-ups to thrive.[50][51] Through ONDI, 758 start-ups were supported by working with foreign-based collaborators such as Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)[52] Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support (TIES) Scheme, Next Innovation with Japan (NINJA) Acceleration Programme, Bridge to MassChallenge Nigeria programme and Idea Hatch (iHatch) Incubation programme.[53][54]

He also unveiled the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR),[55] another SPV to promote research and development of emerging technologies and their practical applications in areas of national interest. This SPV has allowed for seamless communication between NITDA and the start-up ecosystem,[56] improved trust between both parties, serves as a bridge between developmental regulation and rapid innovation and has paved the way for a more sustainable and dynamic digital economy.[57]

Twitter suspension[edit]

During Nigeria's Twitter suspension,[58] Abdullahi led the technical team that had a robust engagement which spurred global digital diplomacy and set a new template[59] for the operations of big tech companies in Nigeria and other developing countries.[60]

References[edit]

  1. ^ FG Appoints Mr Kashifu Abdullahi as Director-General NITDA, Vanguard Nigeria
  2. ^ "Buhari Appoints". MSN. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  3. ^ T. Evers, Arnoud; I. J. M. van der Heijden, Beatrice (2016). Competence and Professional Expertise. Springer, Cham. pp. 83–101. ISBN 978-3-319-41711-0. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  4. ^ "NCS". Nigerian Computer Society. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  5. ^ "LWB UK 2023 Doctoral Conferment". Leaders Without Borders Development Centre. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  6. ^ "Leaders Without Borders Development Centre". Leaders Without Borders. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  7. ^ "DG NITDA Bags Honorary Doctorate from California Metropolitan University". PRNigeria. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  8. ^ Galaxy Backbone Ltd (Nigeria): Official website [1]
  9. ^ "Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi Biography". ICE GOV. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  10. ^ Elebeke, Emanuel (February 4, 2023). "Buhari renews appointment of NITDA DG". Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  11. ^ "Indigenous Content in I.T: The NITDA's way of igniting the Nigeria's Tech Ecosystem" (PDF). The Info-Tech Regulator. No. 2449–1152. 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  12. ^ Omoniyi, Faith (Oct 12, 2023). "Nigeria's president Bola Tinubu reappoints Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi as director general of NITDA". TechCabal. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  13. ^ Nwachukwu, John Owen (October 11, 2023). "President Tinubu retains Kashifu Abdullahi as DG of NITDA". Daily Post. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  14. ^ "STRATEGIC Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021 - 2024)" (PDF). NITDA. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  15. ^ Okorafor, Oluchi (Dec 9, 2021). "Key Into Our Strategic Pillars, Abdullahi Urges Tech Developers". Science Nigeria. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  16. ^ Okonji, Emma. "NITDA Restates Commitment to Create Digital Nigeria Workforce". This Day. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  17. ^ Dan-Awoh, Deborah. "NITDA empowers 300, set to boost digital economy". Punch. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  18. ^ Ezeadiugwu, Ejieke. "Director General, NITDA, National Technology Regulatory Agency Kashifu Abdullahi, visits Rack Centre, Commends Massive Infrastructural Development". Rack Centre. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  19. ^ Partner. "NITDA: How we managed Nigeria's digital transformation in one year – Kashifu Abdullahi". Tech Cabal. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  20. ^ Adeluyi, Olufemi. "NATIONAL DIGITAL ECONOMY POLICY AND STRATEGY (NDEPS): 2020-2030" (PDF). NITDA. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  21. ^ Nda-Isaiah, Jonathan (2022). "Buhari Inaugurates Presidential Council On Digital Economy, E-govt". Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  22. ^ Udegbunam, Oge (August 25, 2020). "ICT's contribution to Nigeria's GDP increases in spite of economic slowdown". Premium Times. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  23. ^ Reporter, Our (August 4, 2020). "ICT contributed 14% to GDP in Q1 of 2020 —NITDA boss". Tribune. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  24. ^ Akintaro, Samson (15 November 2023). "ICT contributed 15.97% to Nigeria's real GDP in Q3 2023". Nairametrics. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  25. ^ "My Goal Is To Transform NITDA Into A Smart Organization – DG, Abdullahi". The Will. August 26, 2019. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  26. ^ "Kashifu Inuwa: Putting NITDA on the Cusp of a Revolution". Bloomberg L.P. Bloomberg. 28 September 2022. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  27. ^ Ekugo, Ngozi (2022). "30,000 Nigerians to be trained on a Blockchain through scholarship by NITDA". Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  28. ^ Isaac, Nkechi (July 7, 2022). "NITDA Trains NPF Officers On Digital Literacy". Science Nigeria. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  29. ^ Anyaogu, Isaac (Aug 29, 2022). "NITDA is boosting Nigeria's digital economy through smart regulation – Inuwa". Business Day. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  30. ^ Ojoye, Taiwo (March 26, 2019). "NITDA launches portal for indigenous IT companies". Punch. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  31. ^ Elebeke, Emmanuel (October 19, 2019). "NITDA Issues 11 Licenses to Data Protection Companies". Vanguard. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  32. ^ "NITDA Issues Licenses to 11 Data Protection Compliance Organizations". CybersecFill. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  33. ^ Nkwocha, Angela (August 18, 2020). "FG rebrands NITDA to actualize a digital Nigeria". The Authority. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  34. ^ Adaramola, Zakariyya (9 Mar 2021). "FG Approves New Scheme Of Service For NITDA Staff". Daily Trust. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  35. ^ Bassey Foluke, Yewande (September 2, 2021). "NITDA, NCAA TO FORM ALLIANCE ON DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION". NITDA. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  36. ^ Elebeke, Emmanuel (April 30, 2021). "NITDA unveils strategic roadmap". Vanguard. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  37. ^ "Nigeria IT Development Gets Major Boost As NITDA Unveils SRAP". Tech Mirror. April 29, 2021. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  38. ^ "Capacity Building". NITDA. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  39. ^ Coffie-Gyamfi, Charles (February 22, 2022). "NITDA targets 10 million farmers with NAVSA smart farming platform". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  40. ^ "NITDA canvasses adoption of digital technology to boost agriculture". Premium Times. November 25, 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  41. ^ Adaramola, Zakariyya (May 24, 2023). "Nigeria's Digital Economy Under Buhari". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  42. ^ Oyibo, Ediri (2019). "NITDA attains milestone with ISO award". The News Guru. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  43. ^ Ohwovoriole, Oghenevwede (2021). "Proper Local Content Regulation, Catalyst for Economic Transformation, Says NITDA". This Day. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  44. ^ Anuforo, Chinenye (February 11, 2021). "Local content regulation adoption transforming Nigeria's economy – DG NITDA". The Sun. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  45. ^ Godfrey, Chimezie (November 23, 2022). "NITDA deepens collaboration with grassroot stakeholders, share ideas on bridging digital divide". News Diary. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  46. ^ Enenche, Stella (November 17, 2022). "NITDA Reiterates Commitment To Create Enabling Environment For Youth Empowerment". The Fact Daily. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  47. ^ Emejor, Chibuzor (June 19, 2022). "NITDA Re-Affirms Commitment To Create Enabling Environment For Women Entrepreneurs". Independent. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  48. ^ Afolabi, Blessing (May 23, 2023). "Nigeria gets 30% of Africa's foreign direct investment – NITDA". Punch. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  49. ^ Isaac, Nkechi (December 20, 2021). "Why We Created ONDI – NITDA". Science Nigeria. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  50. ^ "NITDA's ONDI begins new training for vibrant startups". IT News Nigeria. March 25, 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  51. ^ Ibanga, Inyene (June 21, 2022). "ONDI: Refining Local Content for Powering Nigeria's Innovation Revolution". Tech Digest. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  52. ^ "ONDI Partners With JICA To Train & Support Startups In Nigeria's North East Region". Wee Tracker. December 10, 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  53. ^ Isaac, Nkechi (June 15, 2022). "iHatch Startup Incubation Programme Begins 2nd Cohort Selection". Science Nigeria. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  54. ^ Ojeme, Victoria (May 7, 2023). "Nigeria can gain US$229bn if women participate in digital economy – NITDA". Vanguard. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  55. ^ Ibanga, Inyene (November 16, 2020). "That National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Nigeria". Economic Confidential. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  56. ^ Omolaoye, Sodiq (October 31, 2021). "FG working on national policy to promote tech start-ups". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  57. ^ Ohwovoriole, Oghenevwede (2021). "FG, Seedbuilders Agree to Build Capacity of Tech Innovators". This Day. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  58. ^ Onuah, Felix (12 January 2022). "Nigeria lifts Twitter ban from midnight, government official says". Reuters. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  59. ^ Odueso, Timi (June 14, 2022). "Nigeria seeks to regulate social media with new NITDA Code of Practice". Tech Cabal. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  60. ^ "Twitter ban in Nigeria: President Buhari lift ban on Twitter afta seven months". BBC News Pidgin. 12 January 2022. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashifu_Inuwa_Abdullahi

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