Shettima: Nigeria’s Fastest Route To Growth Lies In Digital Innovation

Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria’s quickest path to matching developed economies lies in digital innovation and the creation of a vibrant national tech ecosystem.

Speaking on Tuesday at a high-level stakeholders’ forum on technology and innovation, Shettima said Nigeria is endowed with “one of the world’s most vibrant pools of talent”, stressing that the nation’s progress depends on how effectively it harnesses its human capital for innovation-driven growth.

“If there is any standout route through which we can catch up with developed economies, it lies in digital innovation,” the Vice President said.
“We are endowed with vibrant minds, and our success as a people can only be guaranteed by us.”

From Digital Adoption To Deep-Tech Innovation

Shettima urged a shift from surface-level digital adoption to deep-tech innovation capable of addressing national challenges in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and governance.

He emphasized that the country must build a connected digital ecosystem that functions seamlessly across all regions — from Lagos and Abuja to Kano, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Bauchi.

“We must move beyond mere applications to building foundational, deep-tech solutions that respond to the real needs of our people,” he added.

Three Pillars Of Nigeria’s Digital Agenda

Outlining the Federal Government’s long-term strategy, the Vice President said the Digital Transformation Agenda rests on three core pillars — People, Infrastructure, and Policy.

He explained that:

• The People pillar focuses on developing a “holistic pipeline of digital talent” through digital literacy in schools and national inclusion programs.
• The Infrastructure pillar aims to expand broadband connectivity nationwide to support a truly digital economy.
• The Policy pillar (not detailed in his remarks) is expected to strengthen regulatory frameworks and foster public-private collaboration for sustained innovation.

Shettima reiterated that a technology-driven economy remains central to the Tinubu administration’s agenda to boost productivity, attract investment, and empower Nigeria’s youth.