The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has introduced the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge, a competition aimed at solving some of Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges using technology and digital innovation. The competition offers a total prize pool of N11 million and encourages participants to create digital solutions that could support sustainable development across the country.
Announcing the competition on Thursday, NITDA stated that the initiative is designed to empower teams of innovators to develop digital maps that highlight critical infrastructure in different Nigerian states. These digital maps will include important facilities such as hospitals, schools, roads, and utilities, providing data-driven insights to aid development efforts.
### Eligibility and Participation
NITDA has outlined a set of criteria for those interested in participating. All participants must be Nigerian citizens with valid identification such as a National ID, Voter’s Card, International Passport, or Driver’s License. Additionally, participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
The competition encourages teamwork by requiring participants to join in teams of 2 to 5 members. These teams should consist of people with diverse backgrounds, including both technical and non-technical skills. This approach is meant to promote creative problem-solving by bringing together different perspectives.
Each team must represent a specific Nigerian state, and participants should have a good understanding of the state they are representing. This knowledge can come from either living in the state, working there, or having studied there academically. Individual entries are not accepted, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
### Purpose of the Competition
NITDA has launched this initiative to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in Nigeria. According to Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at NITDA, the competition began on September 11, 2024, and will run until October 23, 2024.
“This competition is more than just a challenge; it’s an opportunity for Nigeria’s brightest minds to use technology to solve infrastructure problems,” said Mrs. Umar.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which focuses on economic growth, job creation, and fostering innovation. Through this competition, NITDA hopes to build a digitally capable Nigeria where technology can play a central role in addressing critical issues.
### Competition Format
The competition will take place in three stages: state, regional, and national levels. In the first phase, teams from all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will compete. From this stage, 37 teams will advance to the regional stage. These teams will then compete within Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, and the winners from each region will move on to the national finals in Abuja.
The top teams from each region will receive a cash prize of N1 million each, while the national winner will walk away with the grand prize of N5 million. According to Mrs. Umar, this initiative will not only address Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges but also enhance participants’ skills in data science, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and digital storytelling.
### Benefits of the Challenge
The competition aims to inspire Nigerian youth and professionals to think creatively and use digital tools to map and analyze the country’s infrastructure needs. The digital maps produced by the participants will serve as valuable resources for highlighting key opportunities for development in various states.
Additionally, the competition encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and community engagement. Participants will have the opportunity to work together to develop innovative solutions that can benefit their communities and the nation at large. By involving teams from diverse backgrounds, the competition promotes inclusivity and shared learning.
NITDA hopes that this competition will lead to actionable solutions that can drive sustainable development in Nigeria. The challenge also offers a platform for participants to showcase their skills, potentially opening doors for further opportunities in the tech industry.
The 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge is an exciting opportunity for Nigerians to use their talents and creativity to solve real-world problems. With significant cash prizes and the chance to make a lasting impact on the nation’s infrastructure, the competition is expected to attract a wide range of participants from across the country.
