By Martin Ekpeke
The narrative of Nigeria’s economic future is undergoing a massive rewrite, shifting its focus from crude oil pipelines to code, creativity and human capability.
This pivotal transition was the central theme at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026, held at the EUI Centre in Rivers State. Gathering policymakers, tech leaders, investors, and young innovators, the event served as a sandbox for ideas aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s evolution into a globally competitive digital economy.
Delivering the opening keynote address under the event’s theme, “Syntropy: Collective Futures – Systems, Solutions, Synergy and Societies,” Dr. Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), made a definitive case for the country’s new economic direction.
Represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, NITDA’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Abdullahi emphasized that resource wealth is no longer the primary benchmark for national prosperity.
“The future is not something we inherit; it is something we build. Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil but its people. Our ability to develop digital talent, foster innovation, and create enabling ecosystems will determine our competitiveness in the digital age,” said Dr. Kashifu Inuwai, DG of NITDA.
As industries worldwide undergo rapid transformation, NITDA is urging stakeholders to view emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity as the ultimate catalysts for economic diversification and sustainable job creation.
To turn this vision into a reality, NITDA highlighted its ongoing execution of the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0). This framework focuses heavily on building infrastructure, safeguarding the digital landscape through cybersecurity, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
The agency is driving this narrative forward through several flagship initiatives designed to empower Nigeria’s youthful population. These initiatives include Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL), National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).
The Expo also served as a strategic regional catalyst, with participants exploring ways to position the Niger Delta as a premier hub for technology and digital entrepreneurship.
While acknowledging systemic bottlenecks like startup financing, infrastructure deficits, and technology commercialization, attendees collaborated on actionable strategies to bridge the talent gap. NITDA actively engaged with local innovation hubs, academic institutions, and tech firms to forge partnerships that will drive digital inclusion across the region.
The event concluded with a unified commitment from government, academia, and private sector leaders to break down silos. By leaning into human capital rather than natural resources, Nigeria is actively building a resilient, technology-driven economy designed to deliver sustainable prosperity for all its citizens.