Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi is an accomplished information technology professional, computer scientist and public sector administrator with over two decades of experience in technology infrastructure, digital governance, policy development and innovation management. He currently serves as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), where he oversees the development and regulation of Nigeria's information technology sector.

His professional career began at Galaxy Backbone Limited, where he served in various technical capacities, including Network Engineer, Senior Network Engineer and Lead Solutions Architect. In 2014, he joined the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a Technology Architect, contributing to the development of the Bank's Technology Architecture Repository and initiatives to improve IT infrastructure management and software licensing efficiency.

In 2017, he joined NITDA as Technical Assistant to the then Director-General, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami. He was appointed Director-General of NITDA on 20 August 2019 by President Muhammadu Buhari and subsequently reappointed in 2023. Under his leadership, the Agency has advanced programmes supporting digital inclusion, technological innovation, cybersecurity, indigenous technology development and digital entrepreneurship.

As Director-General, Dr. Abdullahi has overseen the implementation of NITDA's Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) for 2024–2027, which provides a framework for strengthening Nigeria's digital economy. He has also championed the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, supported the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act and promoted regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation, responsible technology adoption and improved public sector digital services.

Dr. Abdullahi holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. He has undertaken executive education and professional development programmes at Harvard University, the University of Cambridge, London Business School, the University of Oxford, IMD Business School in Switzerland and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), recognised as the first holder of this certification in Nigeria's public sector, and a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society (FNCS).

In recognition of his contributions to technology development and digital inclusion, he received the 2022 ISACA Inspirational Leadership Award and the African Achievers Award. He remains an advocate for expanding digital opportunities, strengthening Nigeria's technology ecosystem and improving national competitiveness through innovation and digital skills development.