NITDA: Blockchain Technology Necessary for Digital Transformation

Emma Okonji
With the advent of emerging technologies, which are disrupting the existing traditional processes by revolutionising the way people interact and transact businesses, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has said Blockchain technology supports the digital transformation agenda of the agency and will facilitate the development of Nigeria into a digital economy.

Kashifu who was represented by the agency’s Director, Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions Department, Dr. Usman Gambo Abdullalhi, made the assertion at the Abuja Blockchain and Crypto-Assets Conference/Exhibition 2021, which held at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja where he delivered a keynote address. The NITDA boss explained that Blockchain Technology would acquaint people with vast opportunities and help overcome challenges.

According to the DG, Blockchain is an emerging technology that would provide a secured distributive ledger platform for seamless transactions, which can lead to new opportunities that can benefit industries through greater transparency, enhanced security and easier traceability.
He said NITDA, through its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP), would be committed to promote emerging technologies with the purpose of building a healthy and enviable Information Technology (IT) ecosystem.

Kashifu however expressed concerns on the need to enforce regulations that will protect citizens and ensure fair markets without stifling innovation as the agency’s commitment to implementing regulatory instruments and implementation strategies will drive adoption of technology by both public and private sectors.

“I am glad to say that NITDA’s efforts towards the development of a National Blockchain Adoption Strategy document, advances the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy in creating and fostering an efficient, safe, and economically productive and viable digital Nigeria, using the Blockchain Technology”, Kashifu said.

He was optimistic that the developed strategy for Blockchain would unleash potentials in all sectors leading to improved efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance.

“Blockchain Technology will surely key into the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the federal government by increasing the contribution of ICT and innovation to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”, Kashifu further said.

While giving assurances of NITDA’s utmost support to technology and innovation ecosystem, he noted that technology policies, frameworks and guidelines were important parameters in building a lucrative IT industry.

He therefore urged participants at the event to brainstorm and develop initiatives that will assist the government on devising best ways and practices to help surmount challenges faced by the country.
“We must not be defined by our current challenges, they are not who we are, we are bigger than them, we must be defined by our dreams and aspirations, we must be defined by what we can achieve”, Kashifu added.