The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) announced a partnership yesterday to improve Nigeria’s cultural and creative sectors through digital innovation. This partnership empowers indigenous talent and promotes Nigerian culture worldwide.

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Bridging art and technology

The partnership will focus on key initiatives, including the popular talent show Nigeria’s Got Talent and the BuyNigeria.ng e-commerce platform. 

According to a joint statement, this initiative will initially target markets in major cities like Kano, Lagos, Aba, and Abuja, facilitating online access for traders and artisans. The goal is to enhance visibility and productivity within these communities, aligning with NCAC’s vision for cultural growth.

“The initial phase will focus on markets in Kano, Lagos, Aba, and Abuja,” the statement noted, emphasising the importance of fostering accessibility for local businesses.

Moreover, NITDA’s involvement in Nigeria’s Got Talent aims to integrate digital literacy programs into the show. This integration will create opportunities for participants to thrive in a digitally empowered environment. 

NCAC Director-General Obi Asika highlighted that “Nigeria’s Got Talent is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of our national identity,” showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.

Empowering local talent

The partnership also aims to expand NCAC’s flagship program, Innovate, Create, Empower (ICE). This program is designed to upskill participants in the cultural and creative industries. 

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With NITDA’s support, ICE plans to reach 2 million Nigerians across 1,000 locations by 2027. NITDA will provide essential training facilities and digital labs to enhance the program’s impact.

In addition to these initiatives, both agencies are committed to developing digital platforms for cultural inventory and fan engagement. These platforms will leverage NITDA’s cloud services and local distribution networks to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy. 

As noted in their joint release, “This collaboration marks a significant step in merging Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage with modern digital innovation.” This approach promotes local talent and prepares them for a competitive global market.

As Obi Asika stated, “We are projecting our culture while introducing it to new generations and international audiences,” ensuring that Nigeria’s artistic heritage continues to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

NITDA’s new partnership with the show promises to boost the digital literacy space and increase opportunities.