Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has highlighted Nigeria's distinctive approach to driving innovation, crediting the resilience of its people as the country's greatest resource.
"In other places, they use capital infrastructure to fuel innovation," Inuwa said. "Here, we use our resilience."
He made the remarks during the recent launch of GITEX Nigeria, describing the tech event not only as a testament to the nation's digital evolution but also as a declaration that Nigeria is ready to compete as a leader in the future global economy.
Read also: GITEX Nigeria: FG to fund 75 new research projects from October 1
Inuwa recalled the government's cashless policy introduced in January 2012, which compelled banks to digitalise their operations.
He noted that this directive created opportunities for local startups to step in and build fintech solutions to address emerging gaps.
"This wasn't an accident but the result of intentional policy," he explained. "Because we had no options, we needed to create solutions."
That necessity, he argued, has driven results. "Five of Africa's eight or nine unicorns are Nigerian...As the saying goes, talent is evenly distributed, but opportunities are not. With the right opportunities, Nigeria has shown it can compete with any city or any nation in the world."
Read also: GITEX Nigeria: Zinox, KongaCares target 1m Nigerians with interest-free ICT access
According to Inuwa, GITEX Nigeria represents a shift in mindset. For too long, he said, the concept of a future economy felt like science fiction, with Nigeria positioned at the receiving end of global technological shifts from the 'Kodak moment' to the 'Uber moment'.
"GITEX Nigeria signifies a departure from this trend," he said. "It transforms that distant future into a tangible reality built on bold ambition, powered by brilliant young minds, and backed by strategic collaboration."
He pointed to Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub, as the heartbeat of Africa's tech ecosystem, which has already produced a pipeline of unicorns. But he stressed that fintech is just the beginning.
"While fintech has been a rugged world of innovation, the potential extends far beyond it," he said. "Nigeria's youthful population and diverse economy offer boundless opportunities in agriculture, healthcare, security, and many more."
Inuwa extended an invitation to global investors and partners to engage with Nigeria's growing digital economy.
"We are going to do it, whether without you or with you. Therefore, it's an opportunity for you to be part of it," he said.
He emphasised that the government's current vision is one of economic diversification and inclusivity, with fintech serving as a blueprint for broader transformation. "We have done it in fintech. We are going to do it in agriculture. We are going to do it in security. We are going to do it in healthcare."
His message was both confident and assertive.
"This is not just about commercial ventures. It is about making real social and economic impact. Come and invest in Nigeria. Be part of history. We will do it with or without you, but it is better to do it with you. So come with us on this journey and let us build the future together", he concluded.