The European Union (EU) and its partners have unveiled new measures to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation. This announcement came during the fifth Project Steering Committee meeting for the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria, held in Kano, alongside the launch of the Women Venture Studio Innovation Hub, as noted in a statement from the EU on Sunday.
As part of this initiative, the EU is allocating an additional US$51 million to enhance the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent programme (3MTT), which aims to equip three million Nigerians with advanced digital skills, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development.
During the meeting, Inga Stefanowicz, the EU’s Head of Section for Green and Digital Economy, emphasised the need for the digital conversation to be inclusive of all regions in Nigeria, rather than concentrated in a single area. “We do not want this Steering Committee to remain only in Abuja,” she stated. “That is why we have taken it across the country, from Lagos to Ibadan and now to Kano. It is crucial to acknowledge the digital transformation taking place in the North and other parts of Nigeria.”
Stefanowicz noted that this project is part of a larger EU cooperation package. She confirmed that an additional US$51 million will be dedicated to ICT training under the 3MTT initiative by 2025, supporting nationwide fibre connectivity and the development of digital public infrastructure. “It has been three years of project implementation. This was the first step. There is still more to accomplish,” she added.
Since its launch, the Digital Transformation Centre has trained and supported over 5,300 Nigerians, including 2,060 women and 795 individuals with disabilities. Participants have gained digital skills, access to startup assistance, and entrepreneurial resources. Furthermore, the program is experimenting with digital vouchers to enable more individuals and businesses to acquire essential technology. To date, 40 startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have benefitted from innovation support, while policy initiatives in four states are working towards bridging the digital gender gap.
Ahmed Tambuwal, representing the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), noted that the discussions were both constructive and strategic. “We are here to review progress and set our future course,” he mentioned. “We have identified gaps and aligned our priorities. Inclusion remains a core commitment. We aspire to create a digital economy that benefits everyone, particularly women and persons with disabilities.”
Victor Odumiuwa from the NITDA IT Hub reflected on the positive impact within the academic community, stating, “Many startups have been supported, and numerous training sessions have occurred. This is fostering innovation growth within Nigerian universities.”
Looking ahead, stakeholders have outlined key objectives for the next phase, including training an additional 5,800 young individuals, expanding green and digital skills programs, enhancing ICT employability pathways, and scaling initiatives such as mentorship, job market integration, and digital vouchers.
