The South South Development Commission has stepped up engagement with federal technology authorities as it seeks to expand digital opportunities for young people in the region.
As part of this push, the Commission’s Managing Director, Ms Usoro Akpabio, met with the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 10 February 2027.
The meeting focused on building a structured partnership to strengthen digital skills development, promote innovation, and widen access to information and communication technology opportunities across the six states of the South South.
Akpabio said the region has a large and energetic youth population that is ready to participate in the digital economy. She noted that collaboration with NITDA would help close existing skills gaps, open up employment channels, and support technology driven entrepreneurship.
She described the agency as central to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, citing its role in capacity building, infrastructure development, and innovation support. According to her, aligning regional development efforts with national digital policies will improve outcomes for young people.
Responding, Abdullahi expressed NITDA’s willingness to work closely with the Commission. He said the agency remains committed to rolling out programmes that promote youth empowerment, innovation, and economic diversification through technology.
Observers say the engagement reflects a growing effort to link regional development plans with federal digital economy initiatives, with the South South positioning itself to attract greater investment in technology and talent development.
