Business leaders must embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a collaborative partner in driving innovation and economic growth, rather than viewing it as a threat to human jobs. This was the key message from Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), at the BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeria.
Speaking during a high-level panel session titled “Builders of the New Nigeria – Stories of Scale, Grit, and Innovation,” Inuwa challenged the conventional notion of AI as merely an automation tool, encouraging CEOs to view AI as a strategic ally.
Inuwa urged business leaders to integrate AI into their operations not as a replacement, but as a “thought partner” that can unlock new levels of productivity and creativity, helping to discover new business models and create competitive advantages.
He explained that the threat of AI is not to human workers, but to the processes and skills currently relied upon to accomplish routine tasks.
“The key is to position yourself at the center of this collaboration. Yes, AI can outperform humans in many tasks, but it will not replace you or me. What AI will replace are the skills and processes we rely on today to perform our work,” Inuwa stated.
To remain relevant, leaders must proactively redefine their roles and evolve their capabilities to collaborate effectively with intelligent systems. Inuwa advised businesses to assign AI systems specific roles or personas—such as a virtual lawyer, co-founder, or advisor—to make the interaction more purposeful and productive.
Despite his optimism, Inuwa cautioned that AI systems must be approached with vigilance, stressing that AI should always be treated as the “worst version” of itself until it proves otherwise. He warned leaders not to assume AI is always accurate or ethical by default.
This is where the government’s role becomes critical. Inuwa noted that NITDA has adopted a progressive regulatory approach centered on collaboration, experimentation, and co-creation—a move that ensures Nigeria is setting a precedent for balancing innovation with societal responsibility.
“Rather than rushing to regulate based on fear, we collaborate with the private sector to experiment, learn, and build together,” he said. “We co-create solutions, then use the lessons from these experiments to establish clear benchmarks that will inform future frameworks, guidelines, and regulations.”
NITDA’s aim is to create an environment where businesses can innovate responsibly, ensuring that new technologies benefit the broader society.