In a significant move to boost Nigeria's digital and creative sectors, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced a major partnership with the FutureMap Foundation. The collaboration, unveiled at a high-level roundtable in Kano, is set to revolutionize Northern Nigeria's creative industry through technology capacity building and the establishment of a world-class film studio for Kannywood.
A Strategic Push for Digital and Creative Synergy
The public-private initiative is strategically designed to align the creative operations of Nigeria's Northern region with international standards. By leveraging the expansive potential of the digital economy, the partnership aims to be a catalyst for national growth. The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, made the announcement during a roundtable with tech innovators and Kannywood stakeholders at the PRNigeria Centre for Research and Development in Kano on January 6, 2026.
Inuwa emphasized the profound influence of filmmakers, noting they often hold more power to shape public perception and drive behavioral change than many political figures. He challenged content producers to look beyond mere profit and focus on creating inspirational material that could motivate the next generation of technology builders and innovators.
Addressing Industry Challenges with Tech Solutions
As part of its commitment, NITDA pledged to provide advanced infrastructure, including a modern film studio and incubation centers for emerging technologies. The agency will also offer specialized training programs to significantly enhance the quality of creative content produced in the region.
This intervention addresses a critical need highlighted by industry leaders. Nasiru B. Muhammad, President of the Professional Film Directors Association, pointed out the industry's long struggle with an "unfriendly operational environment." He specifically requested NITDA's support in developing AI-driven translation and subtitling software, a tool seen as vital for helping Kannywood films penetrate lucrative international markets.
Showcasing Local Innovation
The roundtable also served as a platform to spotlight local technological ingenuity. Two inventions particularly captured the attention of the NITDA DG: PRev, a media intelligence software developed by Shuaib S. Agaka for comprehensive news monitoring, and SchoolTra, an educational technology platform by Abdullahi Sani Mahuta designed for efficient student record management.
Inuwa commended the developers and encouraged them to seek collaborations with other experts. Such partnerships, he noted, are essential to increase the visibility and marketability of their products on a national scale.
Building a Future-Ready Ecosystem
This initiative is a core part of NITDA's broader strategy to grow the creative industry through technology and strengthen Nigeria's overall digital economy. The event underscored the enduring partnership between NITDA and the PRNigeria Centre. Yushau A. Shuaib, CEO of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), revealed that the centre has trained over 2,500 journalists and students from universities, polytechnics, and secondary schools in digital skills since 2021.
Looking ahead to the 2026 roadmap, Shuaib announced plans to expand these training programs with a sharp focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. By integrating these high-tech tools into the creative and media sectors, NITDA aims to solidify Nigeria's position as a frontrunner in Africa's digital landscape.
Stakeholders at the roundtable agreed on concrete steps to:
- Reinforce innovation ecosystems across the region.
- Expand digital skills training initiatives.
- Provide robust support for tech startups.
- Deepen collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
A shared commitment was made to strategically position Northern Nigeria as a competitive hub for technology and future-ready talent, marking a new chapter for the region's socio-economic development.
