The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has recorded significant strides in digital technology development, cybersecurity, and strategic partnerships under its current leadership, according to the Citizen Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI).

In a statement signed by CWAI’s Director of Media and Stakeholders Engagement, Mahmud Bello, the agency was commended for advancing its mandate of developing, regulating, and advising on information technology in Nigeria.

CWAI noted that since the appointment of NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the agency has been repositioned as a key driver of digital transformation, innovation, and economic development. It added that NITDA now plays a central role in implementing the National Digital Economy Policy, setting IT standards, promoting local content, and strengthening cybersecurity frameworks.

The organisation stated that the agency has also improved digital literacy and capacity building across the country, while enhancing data protection and collaboration with industry stakeholders.

According to CWAI, Abdullahi recently called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to unlock Nigeria’s digital economy potential. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting themed “Creating Opportunities, Breaking Boundaries,” he described Nigeria as being at a critical point where digitalisation could drive economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable growth.

The statement further highlighted NITDA’s implementation of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) and the National Digital Literacy Framework, aimed at equipping citizens with digital skills.

It revealed that the agency has established over 100 IT centres nationwide to support learning and innovation.

CWAI also referenced the Director-General’s remarks at the GITEX Africa Summit 2026, where he warned of emerging threats posed by artificial intelligence and stressed the need for a “total resilience” approach to cybersecurity.

Abdullahi, according to the statement, emphasised that cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue but a national development priority, noting that human error accounts for the majority of digital breaches.

The group said the Federal Government’s National Digital Literacy Programme aims to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030, with an interim target of 70 per cent by 2027.

It added that NITDA is working with several public and private institutions to strengthen national cyber resilience and protect critical infrastructure.

CWAI further commended NITDA’s collaboration with stakeholders, including its engagement with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), which focused on leveraging digital innovation and the Orange Economy for economic growth.

The statement noted that the agency continues to promote innovation through initiatives such as the National Digital Literacy Programme and the “3 Million Tech Talent” programme, aimed at developing skills in cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence.

It also highlighted Abdullahi’s call for increased partnerships at the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 in Abuja, where he urged stakeholders to drive innovation through collaboration and practical solutions.

CWAI concluded that NITDA’s initiatives and regulatory approach are helping to build a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy, while encouraging continued support for programmes that empower young innovators and attract investment into Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.

A coalition of Nigerians in the United States has strongly criticised recent remarks by US lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, describing her call for the removal of Bello Matawalle as “ill-informed, externally influenced, and injurious to Nigeria’s sovereignty”.

Operating under the banner of the Nigerian-American Coalition for Strategic Stability (NACSS), the group said the intervention by the US lawmaker reflects a troubling pattern of foreign commentary shaped by actors with little understanding of Nigeria’s complex security environment.

In an e-statement issued on Thursday and signed by its convener, Dr Maxwell Akarachi, the coalition warned that attempts to scapegoat key officials within Nigeria’s defence architecture risk distorting facts and emboldening those working against the country’s stability.

Akarachi said Daniels’ position appeared “curiously aligned with narratives long promoted by vested interests intent on discrediting Nigeria’s security institutions,” raising concerns about the motivations behind her claims.

“It is deeply concerning that a foreign legislator would adopt such a narrow and accusatory stance without engaging the full spectrum of stakeholders or appreciating the progress being made under extremely difficult circumstances,” he said.

The group argued that Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the north-central and north-west regions, are the result of years of structural vulnerabilities, cross-border criminal networks, and evolving asymmetric threats that cannot be reduced to the actions of a single office holder.

According to Akarachi, portraying Matawalle as a liability based on “unproven and recycled allegations” not only undermines ongoing security efforts but also risks legitimising misinformation at a time when coordinated action is most needed.

“Those pushing these narratives know exactly what they are doing. They are attempting to fracture confidence in Nigeria’s defence leadership by amplifying half-truths and presenting them as established facts,” the statement read.

The coalition maintained that since his appointment under the administration of Bola Tinubu, Matawalle has been part of a broader, coordinated push to strengthen military operations, enhance intelligence sharing, and stabilise troubled regions.

While acknowledging that security incidents continue to occur, the group noted that there have been incremental but significant gains in disrupting armed groups and restoring access to communities previously overrun by bandits.

Akarachi also questioned the timing of Daniels’ remarks, suggesting they could be exploited by groups seeking to internationalise Nigeria’s internal security discourse for political or strategic gain.

“When foreign voices echo unverified claims and prescribe drastic actions, it raises legitimate questions about whose interests are truly being served. Nigeria must not become a theatre for externally driven narratives that weaken its institutions.”

The coalition further emphasised that accountability within Nigeria’s security sector must be pursued through established legal and institutional frameworks, not through what it described as “public campaigns orchestrated from afar”.

It urged international partners to exercise caution and responsibility in their engagements with Nigeria, stressing that constructive collaboration, not accusatory pronouncements, is essential in addressing shared security concerns.

“We welcome global partnerships, but such partnerships must be grounded in respect, accuracy, and a genuine commitment to solutions,” Akarachi added.

The group concluded by calling on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to remain vigilant against what it termed “coordinated attempts to delegitimise national institutions,” insisting that the country’s security challenges require unity, resilience, and strategic clarity.

“Hard times demand steady leadership, not opportunistic criticism. Nigeria’s path to stability will not be dictated by external pressure, but by the strength and coherence of its own institutions,” the statement added.

A new television series, MAFARKI (Dream), produced by Uzee Usman in collaboration with ROK Studios Nigeria, is set to premiere tonight, April 16.
The series will air on ROK 2 on DSTV channel 169 and GOTV channel 10, showing Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm.

According to the producers, MAFARKI is one of the biggest series to emerge from Northern Nigeria, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand the region’s presence in Nollywood.

The project is a partnership between Usman and Mary Njoku, whose studio is behind the production.

The series features a cast including to veterans in the game of movie Ali Nuhu, Uzee Usman, Tope Olowoniyan, Chelsea Eze, Rabiu Rikadawa, Eve Esin and Abdul Zada.

It also introduces a new face, Blossom Okpaleke.

Speaking on the storyline to journalists on Abuja, Uzee said the series centres on a young girl whose dream of becoming a medical doctor is hindered by socio-cultural and economic challenges in Northern Nigeria.

“MAFARKI tells the story of resilience, how a young girl in Northern Nigeria fights against all odds to achieve her dream, despite the realities surrounding her,” Uzee Usman explained.

He noted that the production highlights the everyday struggles faced by the Northern girl-child in pursuing education and personal ambitions.

The producers added that the performance of debutant Okpaleke stands out, describing it as a compelling interpretation of the lead role.

MAFARKI, they said, delivers a fresh narrative aimed at sparking conversations around gender, opportunity and resilience in the region.