NITDA launches Nigeria’s blockchain policy, paving the way for innovation and jobs

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy in Nigeria has announced it is holding an event to commemorate the launch of Nigeria’s blockchain policy release by the National Executive Council in the first week of May 2023.

Via the Twitter account of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the agency called on the general public to attend the event, scheduled for May 16, 2023. In addition, the National Blockchain Implementation and Steering Committee will also be inaugurated by NITDA at the event.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was created in 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and coordinate overall IT development. It is responsible for developing, regulating, and advising on Information Technology practices, activities, and systems in Nigeria.

It is the clearing-house for all IT projects and infrastructural development in the country and is the prime agency for e-government implementation, Internet governance, and general IT development in Nigeria.

Talent development in Nigeria

According to NITDA, the policy focuses “on talent development, innovation, and adoption as the key areas to harness the potential of blockchain technology in Nigeria.” The policy is expected to enhance job creation in the sector, improve transparency in various sectors of the economy, and bolster security infrastructure, particularly in the financial industry.

As the national agency responsible for technology development in Nigeria, NITDA has been involved in the blockchain industry, including an awareness campaign in 2022 and training of 30,000 Nigerian youths in the field of blockchain.

Last October, the startup bill for the country was signed into law with NITDA being one of the organizations at the forefront of supporting the bill.

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