NITDA ( National Information Technology Development Agency) outlined its two-fold approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption at Technovate Fest 2024, with Director General Kashifu Inuwa emphasising the importance of AI literacy and transparent regulatory frameworks.
He presented NITDA’s vision of AI as a catalyst for Africa’s digital renaissance and Nigeria’s rise as a global tech leader.
At Technovate Fest 2024, Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), revealed Nigeria’s ambitious two-pronged approach to AI adoption.
He emphasised the need for both effective use and ethical implementation of AI in the nation’s digital landscape.
“Our approach is twofold,” Inuwa explained.
“First, we are investing in capacity building to ensure AI literacy permeates all sectors of society.
“Second, we are developing regulatory frameworks that guarantee transparency, data privacy, and cybersecurity.”
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of addressing bias in AI systems to ensure equitable service for all Nigerians, a key part of NITDA’s mission for a sustainable digital future.
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Furthermore, Inuwa noted the transformative potential of AI for Africa, asserting that it could solve pressing socio-economic challenges and act as a catalyst for sustainable development.
Projections suggest that AI could add $2.9 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030, with Nigeria’s market reaching $434.4 million by 2026.
Moreover, the CEO of Eforbs Nigeria, Ezekiel Salako, echoed this sentiment, stressing that businesses must embrace AI to remain competitive.
The need for AI education also emerged as a vital theme, with calls for integrating technology into early education.
As concerns about job displacement surfaced, Oluyemi Adeosun, a research fellow at Lagos Business School, reassured attendees that AI would only impact jobs for those lacking AI knowledge.
Ultimately, with a commitment to ethical practices, NITDA aims to position Nigeria as a leader in the digital economy.
