September 18, 2025 – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a digitally empowered nation, announcing a target of achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030.
The disclosure was made on Thursday during the grand finale of the Digital for All Challenge 2.0, an initiative of Tech4Dev funded by the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NITDA, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management, explained that the government’s digital inclusion strategy is being carried out through extensive partnerships, including collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
He revealed that more than 30 million Nigerians, particularly in rural areas, are being targeted for training, with digital champions deployed nationwide to facilitate the programme.
“We are integrating digital literacy into school curricula nationwide, from primary to university level, and partnering with the Head of Civil Service to make digital skills a requirement for civil service progression,” Onumo said. He further stated that NITDA aims to achieve 70 percent digital literacy by 2027 as the foundation for reaching 95 percent by 2030.
Onumo urged all stakeholders to contribute, noting that digital literacy is for everyone. “It is for the young, the old, the employed, job seekers, traders, civil servants, and others,” he stressed.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Oladiwura Oladepo, Co-Founder of Tech4Dev, described the initiative as a national movement to deepen digital knowledge and inclusion across society. She explained that the programme has already impacted over one million Nigerians across all six geopolitical zones.
“The Digital for All Challenge 2.0 is not just a competition but a movement to unlock opportunities and close the digital divide for individuals, families, and the nation,” she said.
Representing the British High Commission, Mr. Idongesit Udo, Digital Access Programme Adviser, praised the initiative for opening opportunities for young Nigerians to compete globally, enabling civil servants to improve service delivery, and helping children to start their digital journey early.
He also pointed to the UK’s broader partnership with Nigeria, which includes initiatives in cybersecurity through the Africa Cyber Programme, standardization via the British Standards Institute, and entrepreneurship support through the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, all aimed at boosting Nigeria’s digital economy.
The event featured participants from all six geopolitical zones competing in different categories. The first prize winner, Miracle Michael, received N15 million. The second prize went to Chinedu Arisa, who received N12.5 million, while Ismail Adam and Uluchi Chibueze received N10 million and N7.5 million respectively.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who presented the awards, commended the programme for equipping Nigerian youth with future-ready skills. She emphasised that digital literacy is not only key to job creation but also to national development and encouraged more young people to embrace such opportunities.
