The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Unit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) are set to intensify efforts to drive digital transformation in Nigeria’s energy sector through a strategic partnership.
Speaking during a meeting between both organisations, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, stressed the need for NNPC to move away from its traditional dependence on the exploitation of oil and gas resources toward a more innovation-driven approach.
He urged the company to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics, noting that the future of the energy sector lies in the exploration of digital solutions.
Inuwa described information technology as a critical enabler across industries, adding that innovation would play a defining role in shaping energy production, efficiency, and sustainability in Nigeria.
He further outlined NITDA’s strategic priorities, which include promoting digital literacy, nurturing local talent, strengthening research ecosystems, and advancing indigenous technology solutions across key sectors.
According to him, reducing reliance on foreign technologies while encouraging homegrown innovation remains essential for achieving digital sovereignty and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
The NITDA boss also disclosed that the Agency would support NNPC in building a stronger innovation pipeline that connects the company with Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem, encouraging the development of industry-specific solutions through incubation programmes and innovation challenges.
Earlier, Director of NNPC’s RTI Unit, Olatomiwa Olaniyi, said the engagement was aimed at co-creating solutions and establishing a robust partnership framework to accelerate innovation across the energy value chain, adding that the unit’s mandate focuses on enhancing efficiency, boosting revenue, and driving sustainable growth across NNPC’s operations.
