The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has affirmed that technology is a neutral tool crucial for accelerating Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.
Speaking at a virtual panel session, “Culture and Innovation: The Changing Landscape and Technoculture,” organized by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and UNESCO, Inuwa highlighted the importance of balancing cultural preservation with technological advancement. He was represented by Barrister Emmanuel Edet, Acting Director of Regulation and Compliance at NITDA.
Inuwa stressed that technology’s impact hinges on its application, advocating for robust policies and collaborations to align technological innovations with Nigeria’s cultural heritage and development goals. He pointed to AI-powered creative tools like Figma, Canva, and CorelDRAW, emphasizing the need for digital skills training to leverage these technologies for economic growth.
NITDA has responded by establishing digital learning centers nationwide, focusing on emerging technologies. The National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) provides training and develops tech hubs to enhance productivity and skill acquisition. Furthermore, Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aims to position the nation as an AI leader, prioritizing social inclusion and development, and addressing intellectual property rights.
To support creative industries, NITDA launched the National Blockchain Policy, enabling artists and creators to tokenize their works, ensuring ownership and combating copyright infringement. “Technology is a tool—it all depends on how we use it,” Inuwa stated, emphasizing the goal of creating an environment where technology drives economic and creative development.
Mr. Ibrahim Suleiman, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, described the event as a timely opportunity to shape Nigeria’s future. Discussions among government officials, industry experts, and thought leaders focused on leveraging technological advancements, fostering innovation, and developing policies to enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
The summit explored the role of digital tools, AI, and blockchain in preserving cultural heritage, promoting economic empowerment, and creating jobs. Actionable outcomes from the event are expected to guide the future of Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, recognizing their vital contribution to national development.