Enhancing Data Literacy for Better Decision-Making in Nigeria through NITDA’s DL4ALL Initiative

“In God we trust. All others must bring data.” — W. Edwards Deming

By Ernest Ogezi

In the digital era, data has become the new currency, driving decisions in every sector from business to healthcare, education, and governance. In Nigeria, the importance of data literacy—the ability to understand, interpret, and effectively use data—has never been more apparent. As the country seeks to establish itself in the global digital economy, the need for enhanced data literacy among its citizens, businesses, and institutions is critical for informed decision-making and sustainable development.

In an increasingly data-driven world, the ability to navigate, interpret, and draw meaningful insights from data is a vital skill. For Nigeria, a country with a rapidly growing population and economy, data literacy is a powerful tool for addressing complex challenges, from economic development and public health to education and social welfare. With the rise of big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), individuals and organizations are continuously generating and interacting with vast amounts of information.

Data literacy empowers individuals to make informed decisions, whether they are students, entrepreneurs, or policymakers. For businesses, especially in Nigeria’s dynamic informal sector, understanding data can lead to better market strategies, efficient resource management, and increased competitiveness. For government agencies and NGOs, data literacy is essential for designing effective policies, allocating resources wisely, and measuring the impact of programs. In education, it helps students and educators engage with information critically, fostering a generation of problem-solvers who can drive innovation and growth.

Aware of the importance of data literacy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has taken significant steps to enhance the digital capabilities of Nigerians. Through initiatives like the “Digital Literacy for All” (DL4ALL) program, NITDA aims to equip citizens with essential digital skills, including data literacy. The DL4ALL initiative, launched in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), focuses on empowering individuals to browse, search, filter, and evaluate digital content effectively.

Data literacy is a key component of NITDA’s broader Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which emphasizes building a digitally savvy population capable of participating actively in the global digital economy. The agency recognizes that to harness the full potential of data, individuals must not only access it but also interpret and use it meaningfully. By integrating data literacy into its digital literacy programs, NITDA is fostering a culture where data becomes a crucial part of decision-making processes across all sectors.

Nigeria’s informal sector, which employs a significant portion of the population, stands to benefit immensely from enhanced data literacy. Market traders, small business owners, artisans, and entrepreneurs can use data to better understand customer preferences, manage inventory, optimize pricing strategies, and forecast market trends. For example, by analyzing sales data, a market vendor can identify the best-selling products, peak shopping hours, and customer demographics, enabling them to tailor their offerings and maximize profits.

Data literacy is also essential for effective governance and policy-making. In Nigeria, where resource allocation, public health, education, and infrastructure development are critical issues, data-driven decision-making can lead to more targeted and impactful interventions. By analyzing data on population demographics, economic activities, health trends, and educational outcomes, policymakers can identify gaps, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to address the needs of different communities more effectively.

NITDA’s efforts to promote data literacy through initiatives like DL4ALL are steps in the right direction, laying the foundation for a digitally literate society. As Nigeria continues its journey towards becoming a leader in the digital economy, building a culture of data literacy will be crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern world and ensuring sustainable development for all.

Bridging the Digital Divide: NITDA’s DL4ALL Initiative Empowering Nigeria’s Informal Sector through Digital Literacy

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” — Alvin Toffler, American writer and futurist.

By Ernest Ogezi

In today’s digital age, where technology drives much of the global economy, digital literacy has emerged as a powerful tool for economic growth and inclusion. In Nigeria, where millions still face economic disparities, digital literacy offers an opportunity to transform the livelihoods of those in the informal sector. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is leading this effort through its “Digital Literacy for All” (DL4ALL) initiative, aimed at equipping Nigerians with essential digital skills. This initiative, particularly focused on underserved communities, holds immense potential to narrow the digital divide and empower informal workers across the country.

NITDA’s DL4ALL program, launched in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), represents a significant step forward in expanding digital literacy nationwide. Youth corps members are being mobilized as digital literacy ambassadors, tasked with training millions of Nigerians in their local communities. Launched across 12 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kebbi, Jigawa, and Kwara, among others, the initiative aims to boost Nigeria’s digital literacy rate to 70% by 2027.

Highlighting the importance of youth involvement, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE emphasized the pivotal role that NYSC members will play in this endeavor. Positioned within local communities, these young graduates will serve as key players in promoting digital literacy, especially in remote and underserved areas.

The informal sector is a critical component of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for around 65% of employment and contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, many informal workers—such as market traders, artisans, and small business owners—continue to rely on outdated methods and are largely disconnected from the benefits of the digital economy. For these individuals, basic digital literacy could be transformative, opening up new avenues for growth and income generation.

This is where the DL4ALL initiative becomes particularly relevant. The program focuses on equipping informal workers with fundamental digital skills, such as using the internet, navigating mobile applications, and managing data. These skills are essential for improving productivity, accessing broader markets, and expanding networks. According to NITDA’s DL4ALL platform, digital literacy encompasses abilities like searching for and evaluating online information, managing digital content, and understanding how to protect personal data​. For workers in Nigeria’s informal sector, acquiring these skills could mean accessing new opportunities, improving business efficiency, and fostering economic resilience.

DL4ALL is a part of NITDA’s larger Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which is designed to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global digital economy. The initiative is also aimed at improving access to essential services, enhancing employability, and increasing citizen participation in the digital economy, with a special focus on empowering young Nigerians.

Nigeria’s ambition to achieve 95% digital literacy by 2030 is bold but necessary. One of the unique strengths of the DL4ALL initiative lies in its decentralised approach, which leverages the NYSC’s reach and the trust that corps members often command in their assigned communities. This grassroots model is especially effective in rural and marginalized areas, where access to formal education and training can be limited.

NITDA launches digital innovation competition to address infrastructural challenges

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says it has launched the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge competition, aimed at addressing infrastructural challenges in the country.

Director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations of NITDA, Mrs Hadiza Umar, said this in a statement personally issued in Abuja on Thursday.

Umar said the competition tagged “Mapping Nigeria’s Future-Infrastructure for Development” began on Sept. 11 and would end on Oct. 23.

She also said the pitching of the challenge would be at the 2024 Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition, expected to be held from Oct. 22 to 24.

“The 2024 Innovation Challenge is set to empower the next wave of Nigeria’s brightest innovators.

“It’s more than just a competition, it’s an opportunity to leverage technology and creative problem-solving to tackle the pressing infrastructure challenges facing the nation.

“This initiative plays a pivotal role in achieving the core objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, driving economic growth and fostering job creation.

“Aligned with NITDA’s mission to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, the challenge supports Nigeria’s leap towards a thriving digital economy under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s Strategic Blueprint,” she said.

According to her, with a focus on building a future-ready digital Nigeria, participants will collaborate in teams, using digital tools and techniques to digitally map key infrastructure across Nigeria.

She added that the maps would highlight essential facilities like hospitals, schools, roads, and utilities and provide insights needed to drive sustainable development across the country.

“Through this initiative, we intend to engage participants in real-world data collection and digital mapping.

“The challenge will showcase critical infrastructure needs and opportunities in Nigeria, foster community engagement among diverse groups of participants.

“It will enhance skills in Geographical Information Systems, data science, and storytelling among the youth and professionals.”

The director added that the challenge would be in three stages, which included the state ,regional and national levels.

According to her, competitors from all 36 states and the FCT will battle it out, with 37 teams moving to the next round.

“These qualifiers will represent their regions across six geo-political zones, with six regional winners emerging.

“The regional champions will gather in Abuja for the ultimate showdown at the Digital Nigeria conference.

“Each of the six regional winners will walk away with N1 million, while the national winner will take home the grand prize of N5 million,” she said.

Umar reassured that NITDA continued to shape Nigeria’s IT landscape with innovative policies and standards that would create digital jobs, foster entrepreneurship and nurture the next generation of tech talent.