The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to becoming a major player in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem.
Speaking during the Stakeholders’ Interactive Engagement with the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance at the State House, Abuja, themed “Technology, Migration & Trade Representation,” Inuwa outlined Nigeria’s strategic roadmap for advancing emerging technologies.
He highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to economic diversification and inclusivity, placing special emphasis on industrialization, digitalization, creative industries, manufacturing, and innovation as core growth drivers.
At the center of this vision, Inuwa explained, lies Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, a comprehensive blueprint designed to position the country at the forefront of technological transformation. The strategy focuses on expanding digital connectivity, developing sovereign cloud infrastructure, and creating clean, representative national datasets to drive data-driven innovation.
He stressed that nurturing the innovation ecosystem remains crucial, noting that startups and tech innovators play a vital role. The Nigerian Startup Act, according to him, provides a robust legal and institutional framework to support this growth.
“Innovation does not happen in isolation. You need an ecosystem that connects government, innovators, investors, and global partners,” he stated.
Inuwa further noted that Artificial Intelligence is being integrated into vital sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and education to significantly enhance national productivity. He clarified that AI is not meant to replace humans but to complement and enhance human potential.
“With AI, we can achieve ten times the productivity we are seeing today. Imagine doctors diagnosing faster, farmers predicting yields more accurately, and manufacturers reducing inefficiencies. That is the kind of leap Nigeria is preparing for,” he said.
The NITDA boss emphasized inclusivity as a non-negotiable element of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
“If you are digitally invisible, AI will not consider you in its decision-making. Inclusivity is central to our mission,” he added.
Inuwa concluded by reiterating that Nigeria’s digital transformation journey goes beyond technology.
“Our mission is about people, prosperity, and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in shaping the future of artificial intelligence,” he affirmed.
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