By Saminu Ibrahim
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two Canadian technology companies, Goose FL and Fireflies AI, as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s digital footprint and attract global technology partnerships.
The agreements were signed during the Nigeria–Canada Investment Forum and the Nigeria Investment Economic Conference in Toronto, Canada, and witnessed by the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa.
The partnerships are focused on three key areas, including expanding financial inclusion, deploying local artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.
Under the financial inclusion component, the partnership seeks to develop innovative technology solutions that will widen access to digital financial services and create sustainable economic opportunities for underserved communities.
The collaboration will also support the development and deployment of indigenous AI infrastructure and services, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to build, manage and derive value from AI technologies locally.
Another key component of the agreements is the promotion of Nigeria’s digital economy through technology transfer, innovation, strategic global partnerships and digital capacity development.
NITDA said the collaboration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2030, with innovation, digital technology and human capital development serving as key drivers of growth.
The agency said the partnerships further demonstrate Nigeria’s growing role in the global digital ecosystem while creating opportunities for emerging technologies such as AI to deliver tangible benefits to citizens and businesses.
Meanwhile, the agreements are expected to deepen Nigeria’s engagement with international technology players while supporting the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.