NITDA Inaugurates Task Force to Improve Digital Governance, Transparency

Nigeria is taking a fresh step to strengthen its digital governance framework. The National Information Technology Development Agency has launched a new task force to improve transparency, accountability and inclusion across the digital space.

The initiative introduces a Multi-Stakeholder Coordinating Group. It aims to bring government, private sector and civil society together under one structure.

This move follows Nigeria’s recent recognition at the Open Government Partnership Global Conference in Spain. The country received awards for its progress in digital governance.

A push to sustain digital governance reforms

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa said the recognition brings new responsibility.

“We must ensure that what we are building is sustained beyond individuals and institutions. The goal is to embed inclusivity, security, privacy and accountability into every layer of our digital governance framework,” he said.

He explained that Nigeria already has key policies supporting digital governance. These include the Data Protection Act and the draft National e-Governance Bill.

However, he noted that stronger collaboration is now needed. Without it, progress could slow or even reverse. As a result, the new group will help ensure continuity. It will also reduce disruptions that often come with leadership changes.

Why coordination matters now

Digital governance in Nigeria is no longer a single-agency effort. Instead, it depends on coordination across sectors. Director of Stakeholder Management at NITDA, Aristotle Onumo, said the shift is deliberate. He noted that global digital transformation now relies on partnerships. Therefore, isolated efforts are no longer effective.

According to him, the new structure will bridge the gap between policy and execution. It will also ensure that national plans translate into real outcomes. The framework aligns with programmes like SRAP 2.0 and the National Action Plan IV.

Fixing gaps in public sector IT projects

NITDA also raised concerns about failed government IT projects. Many projects, it said, suffer from poor design and weak planning.

To tackle this, the agency is tightening its IT clearance process. It now requires proper system design, professional execution and independent checks. Inuwa revealed that earlier reforms have already delivered results.

“Digital transformation must be properly designed, professionally executed and independently verified. That is how we avoid waste and ensure value for money,” he said. The improved process has reportedly saved the federal government over N319 billion.

At the event, Gloria Ahmed of the Open Government Partnership praised the initiative. She said the new group aligns with global standards for transparency and citizen participation. She also stressed that success will depend on sustained collaboration across sectors. For Nigeria, the stakes are clear. Digital governance is now central to economic growth and public trust.