The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has detailed how the Federal Government’s digitalization agenda is positioning Nigeria to become a key shaper in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape.
Inuwa provided this explanation during a plenary session themed “Technology, Migration & Trade Representation” at the Stakeholders’ Interactive engagement with the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance in Abuja.
He stated that Nigeria’s commitment is driven by a strong emphasis on economic diversification and inclusivity, with a core focus on accelerating industrialization, digitalization, manufacturing, and innovation. This vision informs the roadmap of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and guides NITDA’s mission to transform Nigeria into Africa’s digital powerhouse.
The NITDA boss explained that at the heart of this ambition is Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, which is built on three main priorities:
1. Building Foundational Infrastructure
This priority is about creating the base for Nigeria’s AI journey. It involves:
- Expanding connectivity.
- Developing sovereign cloud platforms.
- Building clean and representative national datasets.
Inuwa highlighted a major milestone: the launch of the National Multilingual Large Language Model in New York. “It is important that our languages, our culture, and our people are represented in the AI of the future,” he noted. “That is why we built Nigeria’s own multilingual large language model—to ensure that technology reflects our identity and diversity.”
2. Nurturing the Ecosystem and Inclusivity
Innovation requires a connected ecosystem. Inuwa stressed the importance of empowering startups and innovators, a process anchored by the Nigerian Startup Act.
“Innovation does not happen in isolation,” he said. “Through our startup policies, we are deliberately prioritizing inclusivity and giving women founders the space to thrive.” He further mandated that all initiatives must insist on at least 40 percent women representation, explaining that if you are digitally invisible, AI will not consider you in its decision-making.
3. Sectoral Transformation and Governance
AI is being integrated into key industries—including healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and education—to radically boost productivity. The DG asserted that AI won’t replace humans; it will enhance human endeavor, enabling ten times the productivity seen today.
Finally, Inuwa stressed the importance of strong governance and regulation. Nigeria is co-creating its AI governance framework with the entire ecosystem to ensure sustainability. “We are working hand in hand with innovators, industry leaders, and the global community to create policies that safeguard innovation while protecting citizens,” he concluded.
With this bold vision, Inuwa stated that Nigeria is sending a clear message: the country is not merely waiting to be carried along in the AI revolution, but is actively building the future and inviting global partners to innovate alongside it.