THE NATIONAL Digital Literacy Technical Working Group (NDL-TWG) has described the inclusion of digital literacy in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the recent launch of the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative as major strides towards achieving 95% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2030.
The declaration, contained in a press statement signed by Akin Ogunlade, Head, Public Affairs of DBI, was made by the Chairman of the NDL-TWG and President/CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Mr. David Daser, during the group’s inaugural meeting held on Tuesday at the DBI Headquarters in Abuja.
In his address titled: “Big Steps Towards Our Path to 95% Digital Literacy by 2030 in Nigeria,” Daser commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.
“The inclusion of digital literacy as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda underscores its critical role in national development, empowering citizens and positioning Nigeria for a prosperous future in the global digital landscape,” Daser stated.
He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond technology adoption, focusing on human capacity building, job creation, and unlocking the nation’s potential.
Addressing the Digital Literacy Gap
Daser noted that Nigeria has long struggled with a significant digital literacy gap, with fragmented efforts, infrastructure challenges, and inconsistent data collection hindering progress. He stressed that digital literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity for economic prosperity, social inclusion, and effective governance.
To tackle these challenges, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) launched the Digital Literacy for All initiative, with the NDL-TWG serving as a strategic body to ensure its nationwide implementation.
“Our mandate is clear: to coordinate, standardize, and scale digital literacy initiatives across Nigeria,” Daser explained. “We must harmonize existing programs, bridge infrastructure gaps, and establish robust data practices to measure progress effectively.”
Collaboration Key to Success
The DBI President called for collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society to achieve the 2030 target. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, and NITDA’s Director-General, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, in inaugurating the committee.
“The NDL-TWG is committed to fostering innovation, sharing best practices, and ensuring every Nigerian, regardless of age, gender, or location, gains essential digital skills,” he said.
NBTE Endorses Digital Transformation
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, praised the initiative, citing NBTE’s successful adoption of digital processes in accreditation and data management.
“NBTE has fully embraced digital technology, eliminating physical accreditation and reducing costs while improving efficiency,” Bugaje said. He expressed readiness to support the NDL-TWG’s efforts, advocating for a nationwide digitalized ecosystem.
A Unified Approach for a Digital Future
Daser urged stakeholders to move beyond fragmented efforts, emphasizing a unified strategy to achieve digital inclusion. “Together, we will dismantle barriers, cultivate continuous learning, and lay a strong foundation for a digitally literate Nigeria,” he declared.
The NDL-TWG’s inaugural meeting marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s journey toward a digitally empowered society, aligning with global technological advancements and economic transformation.
