Nigeria Committed to Emerging Strong Player in Artificial Intelligence, Says NITDA DG

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to becoming a major force in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem, unveiling a detailed strategic roadmap aimed at driving national prosperity through innovation and digital transformation.

Speaking during the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance engagement held in Abuja, Inuwa said the country’s AI strategy is anchored on the recently unveiled National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which sets the vision for achieving economic diversification and sustainable growth through the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.

According to him, the framework emphasizes key pillars such as expanding digital connectivity across urban and rural areas, developing sovereign cloud infrastructure, and curating clean, reliable national datasets. He added that these initiatives will be supported by the Nigerian Startup Act, which provides an institutional and legal foundation for nurturing a vibrant startup and innovation ecosystem.

“The National AI Strategy is not just about technology—it’s about creating opportunities, building resilience, and ensuring every Nigerian is part of the digital future,” Inuwa stated. He explained that AI applications are already being integrated across major sectors including healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and education.

In healthcare, he noted that AI-driven tools are being used to support faster diagnosis and more efficient treatment delivery, while in agriculture, predictive analytics are improving crop yields and resource management. In manufacturing, AI is reducing inefficiencies and improving production standards, and in education, it is enhancing access to personalized learning.

Inuwa projected that the integration of AI into these critical sectors could result in a “tenfold increase” in national productivity, stressing that the aim is to augment human capability rather than replace it.

Highlighting inclusivity as a key component of Nigeria’s digital agenda, the NITDA boss warned against the marginalization of citizens who remain “digitally invisible,” noting that their exclusion could distort AI’s decision-making and limit equitable development.

“Our journey is about ensuring that Nigeria doesn’t just consume AI solutions developed elsewhere but contributes meaningfully to shaping the global AI narrative,” he concluded.

The event brought together policymakers, business leaders, and innovators from across the BRICS community, all exploring collaborative pathways for leveraging AI and digital transformation to advance women’s participation and leadership in technology-driven economies.