The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) are strengthening collaboration to drive digital transformation across Nigeria’s energy sector.
The partnership, advanced through the Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Unit of NNPC, was the focus of a strategic engagement between the two organisations in Abuja, where discussions centred on leveraging emerging technologies to reposition the country’s energy industry.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Mr. Olatomiwa Olaniyi, Director of the RTI Unit at NNPC, the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, stressed the need for a shift from traditional reliance on oil and gas exploitation to a more innovation-driven model.
According to Inuwa, this transition would be anchored on the adoption of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics, among others.
He noted that information technology has become a critical enabler across sectors, adding that innovation would play a defining role in shaping the future of energy production, efficiency and sustainability in Nigeria.
Inuwa outlined NITDA’s strategic priorities, including promoting digital literacy, developing local talent, strengthening research ecosystems and advancing indigenous technology solutions.
He added that reducing dependence on foreign technologies while encouraging homegrown innovation is essential for achieving digital sovereignty and long-term economic growth.
The NITDA boss also said the agency would support NNPC in building a strong innovation pipeline to connect the organisation with Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem.
He explained that startups would be engaged through incubation programmes and innovation challenges to develop practical, industry-specific solutions for the oil and gas sector.
Inuwa further highlighted NITDA’s initiatives aimed at fostering innovation among young Nigerians, including members of the National Youth Service Corps.
“Many of our corps members are already creating solutions to real-world challenges through the agency’s programmes,” he said.
He added that effective implementation of the Nigerian Startup Act would be key to supporting emerging technology ventures and scaling ideas into viable commercial solutions.
Olaniyi said the engagement was designed to co-create solutions and establish a strong partnership framework to accelerate innovation across the energy value chain.
He emphasised that collaboration among government agencies, industry stakeholders and the technology ecosystem is critical to achieving sustainable innovation.
Presenting the mandate of the RTI Unit, Olaniyi said its focus is on driving excellence through innovation, leading to improved operational efficiency, enhanced revenue generation and sustainable growth across NNPC’s operations, including upstream, gas, power and new energy segments.
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