The Network of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR) has congratulated Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), on another Public Service Award.

The IT expert, who won the 2024 Award of Excellence in Public Service for Digital Innovation, was among 40 eminent citizens who received the Nigerian Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) on July 6 in Abuja.

In 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari conferred the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award on NITDA in recognition of its high productivity, hard work and efficient service delivery.

Reacting to the latest national recognition, Inuwa stated that it was not just a personal honour but a testament to the hard work and dedication of his team at the agency.

“Grateful for the opportunity to serve and make a positive impact. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. This award is a reminder that our efforts are making a difference and motivates me to continue striving for excellence,” he posted on X.

A press release by NADIR Executive Secretary, Mohammed Dahiru Lawal, said the laurel presented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, underscores Inuwa exemplary leadership and impact in digital innovation.

The DG’s visionary stewardship, according to the group, has not only elevated the NITDA brand but has also significantly contributed to the sustainability and growth of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

NADIR cited Inuwa’s other prizes, including Forbes’ Africa Outstanding Corporate Governance CEO Award, Golden World Award Finalist of International Public Relations Association (IPRA), among others.

“These accolades affirm his strong commitment to innovation and implementation. Under his leadership, NITDA has pioneered policies that promote capacity building, empowerment, and technological intervention.

“This has led to a digital revolution across various sectors of the economy. Mr Inuwa’s unwavering dedication and strategic initiatives have set a benchmark for public service excellence and corporate governance.

“As NADIR celebrates this well-deserved recognition, we urge the Director General to continue to advance digital innovation. His leadership remains pivotal in steering Nigeria towards a digitally inclusive future,” Lawal added.

Inuwa, with nearly 20 years of government and private sector experience, has participated in leadership and management courses at Harvard University, Cambridge University, and IMD Business School in Switzerland.

The graduate of Computer Science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi is a MIT Sloan-trained strategist and the first Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) in Nigeria’s public sector.