NDDC, TechNexus, others call for innovation, digital collaborations as means to combat cybercrime

Some stakeholders in the technology ecosystem have called for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, academia and innovators to speed up digital transformation and position the country for sustainable economic growth.

The calls came during a two-day Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026, organised by TechNexus Limited in conjunction with the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

The stakeholders said the nation must move beyond consuming technology to becoming a producer of digital solutions capable of driving economic development.

In his goodwill message on behalf, Dr Aristotle Onumo, who represented the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahu, said the country’s digital future is dependemt on inclusive development, digital literacy, artificial intelligence governance, startup growth and public-private partnerships.

Onumo said the global economy is increasingly driven by knowledge, data and digital skills, advising Nigerians to embrace innovation and artificial intelligence.

Also, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, opined that technology is critical tool for resolving issues og unemployment, enjoining youths to seek digital skills to be relevant in the evolving global economy.

Ogbuku said intellectual property is currently the new wealth creation platform, stating that while artificial intelligence may replace some jobs, it will also create new opportunities for those adequately prepared.

However, Mrs. Aleruchi Elizabeth Akani, who represented the Rivers State ICT Department, identified poor coordination among stakeholders as a major challenge facing the state’s technology ecosystem and called for stronger collaboration to deepen digital development.

Meanwhile, Cybersecurity experts have stated caution over the growing threat of cybercrime, calling for stronger national cyber infrastructure, improved identity management and greater investment in cybersecurity talent.

In his keynote address on energy and sustainability, the Vice-President, Relations and Sustainability, Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, Igo Weli, called for a stronger collaboration among government, energy companies and host communities to ensure responsible resource development and environmental sustainability in the Niger Delta.