By Daniel Tyokua
The National Information Technology Development Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cisco System Incorporation to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation.
At the signing of the MoU at the NITDA headquarters in Abuja, the Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, said the initiative is aimed at unlocking the value of digitalisation in Nigeria and drive an inclusive future.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DG explained that the Federal Government will collaborate with Cisco, industry, and academia to accelerate the national digitisation agenda by implementing pilot projects in five areas; repurposing NCAIR to create an AI and Cybersecurity Experience and Incubation Center; Establishing a Broadband Innovation Centre; Setting up a Smart Agriculture Demo Farm; Designing and deploying Technology Learning Hubs; and Incubating Defense Technology Solutions.
It said Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) Programme is a global initiative that partners with government and private sector leaders to develop sustainable, secure, and inclusive communities powered by ethical and innovative technology solutions.
According to the statement, the partnership is in line with President Bola Tina’s priority areas of accelerating diversification through digitisation and innovation, strengthening national security for peace and prosperity, and boosting agriculture to achieve food security.
The statement read, “We have a National Broadband Plan that aims to achieve 95 percent broadband coverage in Nigeria, and we need to be smart in the way we do things in order to achieve the target.”
According to Inuwa, the initiative on smart agriculture would help to improve food production and productivity in agriculture noting that the use of Internet of Things, (IoT), Drones and other technologies would enhance productivity in the sector.
He said, “As part of the Presidential Redefined Priority Areas of achieving food security in the country, the President has mandated the cultivation of 500,000 acre of land in the country and to achieve this successfully and efficiently, we need to use technology.”
The Director General expressed the willingness of the Agency to work with Cisco to establish a pilot of the Learning Centre adding that it is part of the Agency mandate to deploy IOM technology to the under-served and unserved areas.
He said, “Cisco is already working with International Organisation for Migration, (IOM) for a pilot project in Maiduguri, Borno state capital to deploy three Learning Centers using Cisco technology. So, we want to see how we can partner to also scale up that initiative, because we also have as part of our mandate to deploy this technology in under-served and unserved communities.”
In his remarks, the Cisco’s Country Director, Mr. Clayton Naidoo said Nigeria would benefit from the MoU as it would improve agricultural production, create job opportunities, and increase the financial strength of the citizens.
“What we want to do is to make sure that we leverage technology to bring the right level of economic opportunity to Nigeria that will contribute towards economic growth and job creation. So that will be the first programme.
“Cisco has been unpacking the National Digital Agenda of the country and the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan which are in alignment with the Cisco programmes, resources, technology and investment. we try to implement pilot projects to ensure that we can help advance the acceleration of that digital plan,” he added.
