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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have partnered to attract private-sector investment, expand market access and accelerate the growth of Nigerian technology startups and digital enterprises.

The partnership will connect indigenous technology innovators with corporate investors, commercial buyers and business opportunities through NACCIMA’s network of more than 120 city, state and bilateral chambers of commerce.

Under the arrangement, NACCIMA will serve as an investment pipeline and commercial off-take facilitator for NITDA-backed startups, technology ventures and enterprise financing initiatives.

The collaboration, announced in a joint statement signed by NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hadiza Umar, and NACCIMA Digital Economy Coordinator and Chairman of its Digital Economy Trade Group, Dr Segun H. Olugbile, is designed to bridge the gap between technology development and market demand.

The initiative will focus on sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, mining, trade and services, leveraging the organised private sector to promote the adoption of locally developed digital solutions.

The partnership follows the execution of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the alignment of a joint technical working group co-chaired by Dr Aristotle Onumo, NITDA’s Director of Special Duties, and Olugbile.

The two organisations have identified three priority initiatives to strengthen investment opportunities, accelerate digital technology adoption among businesses and improve trust in Nigeria’s digital economy.

A major component is NACCIMA’s planned mobilisation of private-sector participation in the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition (DNICE) 2026, scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 10 to 12.

As part of the initiative, NACCIMA will organise business-to-business (B2B) deal rooms, mobilise corporate investors and venture capital firms, participate in startup evaluation juries and connect technology startups with potential corporate buyers.

The deal rooms are expected to provide opportunities for innovators to showcase their products, engage prospective investors and establish commercial relationships with established businesses.

Speaking on the partnership, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said combining government policy leadership with private-sector commercial demand would stimulate growth across the country’s digital ecosystem.

“Combining government policy leadership with the active commercial demand of the organised private sector creates an unprecedented growth engine for Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” Inuwa said.

He added that the collaboration would help indigenous startups gain access to corporate buyers, domestic capital and sustainable commercial opportunities through NACCIMA’s extensive business network.

Another major component is a national enterprise accelerator programme targeting 10,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The programme will provide participating businesses with practical artificial intelligence tools, digital skills, financial readiness support and improved access to markets.

According to the organisations, the initiative is intended to help small businesses improve operational efficiency, strengthen competitiveness and explore new revenue opportunities while preparing them to engage more effectively with investors and commercial partners.

The third initiative is a proposed digital trust mark platform that will onboard verified businesses and promote compliance with data protection and cybersecurity standards.

The platform is expected to support compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, strengthen cybersecurity readiness and build confidence in digital transactions.

It will also promote digital trust across regional trade corridors, including those operating under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), by encouraging business verification and improved compliance practices.

The National President of NACCIMA, Engr. Dr Jani Ibrahim, described the partnership as an opportunity to place Nigerian commerce and industry at the forefront of technology adoption.

He said the association was committed to serving as a major commercial off-take and investment pipeline for startups supported by NITDA.

According to Ibrahim, connecting traditional industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, trade and mining with innovative digital solutions and technical talent would improve enterprise productivity and strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience.

To coordinate implementation, the two organisations have deployed a joint technical working group comprising senior officials from both institutions.

The group is finalising the enterprise pipeline, B2B deal-room structures and launch arrangements ahead of the planned formal unveiling at DNICE 2026.

NITDA and NACCIMA have invited enterprises, corporate investors, technology vendors and startups interested in the deal rooms or the 10,000-MSME AI Enterprise Accelerator to follow registration updates through NACCIMA’s Digital Economy Desk and NITDA’s official portals.

NITDA is responsible for promoting information technology development, standardisation and digital transformation in Nigeria, while NACCIMA represents chambers of commerce, business associations and corporate enterprises across the country.

The organizations said the partnership would strengthen public-private collaboration by linking digital innovation with investment, enterprise development and commercial opportunities, with the broader goal of helping Nigerian startups and businesses compete more effectively in domestic and international markets.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has renewed its call for stronger collaboration among government institutions, industry players, academia and technology professionals to accelerate digital innovation and position Nigeria for inclusive economic growth.

The Agency made the call at the 20th Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) International Conference 2026 held in Jos, Plateau State, where stakeholders gathered to explore how emerging technologies can be harnessed to drive governance reforms, job creation and national competitiveness.

Representing the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Agency’s Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Aristotle Onumo, said Nigeria’s digital future depends on sustained investments in innovation, digital skills development, research and strategic partnerships capable of delivering measurable socio-economic impact.

According to him, NITDA remains committed to implementing its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan through initiatives that promote digital literacy, research and development, emerging technologies, cyber sovereignty and innovation-driven ecosystems aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy.

He added that the Agency is expanding opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs and technology startups by creating platforms that encourage collaboration, investment and knowledge sharing across the country’s digital ecosystem.

“We are transforming Digital Nigeria into the nation’s foremost innovation platform where policymakers, investors, startups, researchers and technology companies can collaborate to accelerate economic growth and digital transformation,” he said.

Inuwa also encouraged innovators and startup founders to leverage the forthcoming Builders Summit as a platform to showcase indigenous technology solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s critical development challenges.

Declaring the conference open, Caleb Mutfwang described digital technology as an indispensable driver of modern governance and economic development.

He said the Plateau State Government has embraced digital solutions to improve public service delivery, boost internally generated revenue and modernise government operations.

The governor further noted that technology would play a critical role in transforming agriculture, increasing productivity and strengthening food security, urging participants to ensure that discussions at the conference translate into practical solutions that would benefit the nation.

Earlier, President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Muhammad Sirajo, said the annual conference was designed to foster collaboration among policymakers, researchers, regulators and industry leaders on strategies for deploying emerging technologies to drive national development.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance (RISE 2026),” Sirajo identified artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity and robotics as transformative technologies shaping the future of global economies.

He stressed that Nigeria’s youthful population and expanding digital ecosystem present a unique opportunity to build a globally competitive economy, provided investments in innovation, digital infrastructure and skills development remain national priorities.

The conference brought together government officials, regulators, technology professionals, academics, development partners and private-sector leaders to deliberate on policies, innovations and collaborative strategies expected to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and drive inclusive economic renaissance.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Republic of Benin’s Information Systems and Digital Agency (ASIN) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in digital transformation, digital public infrastructure, and innovation-driven governance.

The renewed partnership was reinforced during a courtesy visit by the Beninese delegation to NITDA’s headquarters in Abuja, where both agencies explored opportunities for deeper collaboration, exchange of best practices, and accelerated digital development across the region.

Speaking during the meeting, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, stressed the importance of regional cooperation in building Africa’s digital economy and resilient digital ecosystems capable of driving sustainable growth.

He explained that NITDA remains committed to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda through the formulation of policies, standards, and strategic frameworks aimed at modernising governance and enhancing public service delivery.

According to him, the agency has developed several key frameworks, including the Enterprise Governance Framework, Digital Transformation Framework, and Software Quality Assurance Framework, to support Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in their digital transformation efforts.

“Our objective is to move government institutions beyond basic digitalisation towards full digital transformation and ultimately establish an intelligent, data-driven government powered by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence,” he stated.

Inuwa further disclosed that since 2018, NITDA has reviewed government IT projects valued at over ₦1.5 trillion to ensure compliance, technical alignment, and value for money.

He noted that the initiative has enabled the Federal Government to save more than ₦300 billion by reducing duplication, encouraging shared services, and improving the implementation success rate of digital projects across MDAs.

On digital public infrastructure, he revealed that Nigeria has transitioned from fragmented agency-to-agency data exchanges to a more integrated and citizen-focused digital ecosystem through the Nigerian Data Exchange (NGDX) platform.

He explained that the platform offers a federated and centralised framework that enables seamless data sharing among government institutions while preserving the independence of individual systems.

According to him, the proposed e-Government and Digital Economy Bill will provide the legal framework necessary to strengthen the platform and institutionalize digital collaboration across government institutions.

The NITDA boss also highlighted the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) 2024–2027, which aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and prioritises digital literacy, research and development, cybersecurity, innovation, inclusive access, and strategic partnerships.

Earlier, ASIN’s Head of International Partnerships, Tildy Erlong, said the delegation’s visit followed a recent Smart Africa workshop held in Abuja and was intended to deepen institutional collaboration while learning from Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

She described ASIN as the implementation agency under Benin Republic’s digital ministry, responsible for executing strategic digital development initiatives in partnership with institutions such as the national identity agency, ANIP, and the cybersecurity agency, CENIN.

Erlong highlighted Benin’s achievements in digital public infrastructure, revealing that nearly 98 per cent of the country’s population—about 13.6 million people—has been enrolled on its digital identity platform.

She added that over 60 government agencies and service institutions are connected through Benin’s XROAD interoperability platform, which currently supports the delivery of more than 250 digital services to citizens.

According to her, Benin is also prioritising digital inclusion, open-source systems, and the application of artificial intelligence to improve service delivery in sectors including healthcare, education, and justice.

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The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has underscored the central role of policy as an enabler of Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Speaking during a panel session at the IoT West Africa Conference on the theme “The Lagos-Abuja Digital Corridor: Building Africa’s Next Data Centre and Cloud Hub”, the NITDA boss who was represented by Dr Aristotle Onumo, Director, Stakeholders Management and Partnership emphasised that while infrastructure responds to demand, policy remains the critical driver that creates an enabling environment for sustainable digital growth.

IoT West Africa is a premier platform that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore advancements in Internet of Things, (IoT) smart cities, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Digital Transformation.

He explained that Nigeria’s broadband policy, which stipulates minimum speeds of 10 Mbps for rural areas and 25 Mbps for urban centres, provides a strategic framework for prioritising infrastructure deployment along the Lagos-Abuja digital corridor. He cautioned, however, that without deliberate collaboration and partnership between government, the private sector, and civil society, widespread infrastructure rollout would remain challenging. “Collaboration is the pathway that massifies impact, while partnership harnesses collective intelligence. No one can achieve this in isolation,” he said.

Dr Onumo also spoke on the Nigerian Sovereign Cloud Project; a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening indigenous cloud service providers and preventing the dominance of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure by foreign hyperscale operators. By scaling local infrastructure to meet global standards, the project seeks to domesticate data hosting, reduce operational costs, and improve access to cloud services across the country.

He further stressed that policy must not only enable infrastructure development but also stimulate demand. As an example, he cited the consolidation of servers by government agencies, which creates significant demand for cloud services and, in turn, drives investment in data centres. He emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in co-creating, co-owning, and co-delivering data centres and digital services.

“We are no longer looking at IT from the perspective of infrastructure alone, but as an integrated system that creates value for the people,” Onumo said.

He called on stakeholders across sectors to work with NITDA in building a digital Nigeria, stating: “If we must achieve our mission, we need you, and you need us. Together, we can make Nigeria a digitally enabled nation, fostering inclusive economic development through technological innovation.”

Highlighting NITDA’s strategic action plan, Onumo referenced initiatives such as the Digital Literacy for All programme, which aims to ensure that 70 per cent of Nigerians acquire digital skills by 2027. Through partnerships with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he noted that NITDA is deploying digital literacy champions across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, with a target of training 30 million Nigerians within three years. “That is the power of collaboration and partnership,” he added.

In his remarks, National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, while delivering the Day 2 keynote speech stressed the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s digital economy through strong data protection and privacy frameworks.

He highlighted data sovereignty, the growing role of data centres, and regulatory expectations under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, noting both the benefits of compliance and the risks of non-compliance. Dr Olatunji underscored that data centres are now critical infrastructure for Nigeria’s digital transformation.

While decrying that over 90 per cent of the Nigeria’s data is hosted abroad which is precarious for the nation’s sovereignty he encouraged for more investment in the sector as it is projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2031.

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In a major stride towards positioning Nigeria as a global technology hub where digital technology is leveraged to uplift the nation, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has announced its strategic partnership with KAOUN International to host the world-renowned Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) in Nigeria.

This announcement was made at NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja during the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) which comprises representatives from key public and private sector stakeholders, underscoring a unified national effort to deliver a world-class tech conference on Nigerian soil.

This maiden edition of the event which is themed “Forging the Rise of Digital Nigeria” is expected to have not less than 1000 startups, over 100 investors and an attendance of over 20,000 participants which would be held in Abuja and Lagos between 1st and 4th of September 2025.

GITEX Nigeria is set to bring together global tech leaders, innovators, investors, startups, and policy makers, opening up new avenues for collaboration, investment, and technological exchange.

The event in Abuja will witness government leadership and AI summit to unite government leaders and global tech executives to drive national projects, including digital infrastructure expansion, AI adoption and public sector innovation while in Lagos, which is the commercial hub of the country, GITEX aims to spotlight the nation’s tech ecosystem, promoting startups, attracting investment, growth driving multi-sector economic diversification to a global audience.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa who was represented by the Director of the ITIS department, Mr Olawumi Oladejo, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the milestone achievement and thanked everyone for all the effort they have been putting into the actualisation of the great event in Nigeria.

He emphasized the potential impact of hosting such a prestigious event, stating that it would not only elevate Nigeria’s international profile but also boost local businesses, drive tourism, and provide a platform for innovation and partnerships.

“We all know the positive impact that hosting this kind of event will bring to the country. It will boost our international standing and scale our local businesses and tourism. This event is part of our way of implementing a major pillar, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2024–2027),” he added.

According to the DG, the implementation of the GITEX Nigeria is in line with the 8-point agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR through the implementation of the agency’s SRAP.

Noting that the GITEX model has expanded to North Africa, specifically in Morocco, Inuwa asserted that Nigeria’s hosting of the event will mark its first footprint in West Africa.

While assuring the stakeholders of presidential backing for the initiative, the DG concluded that “if we can successfully host this, it will open the door for Nigeria to lead digital transformation efforts across the region.”

In his presentation on the overview of the GITEX Nigeria preparations, the Director of the Stakeholder Management and Partnerships department, Dr Aristotle Onumo stated that the vision of the event is to elevate 6 local startups to global standards in 3 years.

He added that the event which will be anchored on 3 fulcrums; enablement, engagement, and knowledge to enhance growth in the Telecom, Fintech, Agritech, Edtech, e-Commerce, Healthtech as well as data centres in reinforcing data sovereignty and other sectors.

Speaking on the opportunities the event will bring in terms of boosting investments into the Nigerian Tech Ecosystem, he noted that “78% of startups are expecting to receive funds from investors as a result of their participation in GITEX.”

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The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa has called for strengthened industry collaboration to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation, emphasising innovation and policy as key enablers of sustainable growth.

Represented by Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo at The Omniverse Summit 2025 which took place in Lagos, Inuwa said Nigeria has the potential to become a global digital powerhouse through coordinated efforts among stakeholders.

With an internet penetration rate exceeding 55% and the digital economy projected to contribute over 20% to GDP by 2030, according to Inuwa, Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, pointing homegrown fintech giants like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Moniepoint as examples of how innovation is attracting billions in investment and revolutionising financial services.

Inuwa added that beyond fintech, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are shaping critical sectors like governance, agriculture, healthcare, and education.

To sustain this momentum, he said NITDA is committed to fostering innovation through investments in research and development, talent cultivation, and startup support systems to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy.

Acknowledging that no digital economy can thrive without adaptive policies, the DG emphasised the importance of regulatory frameworks such as the Nigeria Startup Act, which provides a structured approach to nurturing innovation.

He highlighted NITDA’s Regulatory Intelligence Framework, which anchors its policies on dynamism, intelligence, and awareness, ensuring a regulatory environment that protects consumers while enabling businesses to scale.

The DG also stressed the need for stronger data protection laws, enhanced cybersecurity frameworks, and AI governance strategies that promote responsible technology deployment.

Collaboration, he stated, is the glue that binds innovation and policy into tangible progress. Public-private partnerships have already played a vital role in Nigeria’s digital transformation, with recent collaborations between the Federal Government and global tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Meta underscoring the importance of synergy.

He stated that the recent agreement between the federal government and Google, is set to transform Nigeria into a global tech hub, noting that the partnership focuses on infrastructure development, citizen upskilling, AI innovation, cloud adoption, and investment framework enhancement. This collaborative approach ensures that digital policies and initiatives align with global best practices while addressing local needs.

Inuwa also mentioned NITDA’s ongoing initiatives such as the Digital Literacy for All programme in partnership with the NYSC, which aims to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027. According to him, strengthening industry-academic linkages will further bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical applications, ensuring a digitally skilled workforce.

He added that, Nigeria’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents significant opportunities to position the country as a regional hub for digital trade and services – through harmonising digital trade policies and leveraging strategic partnerships, Nigeria can unlock new markets and attract more foreign investments.

The DG reiterated that Nigeria’s digital transformation requires bold decisions, innovative thinking, and strategic alliances, urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure that digital transformation is not just a vision but a reality driving sustainable economic development.

“As the theme of this summit states, we are truly ‘Unified by Vision and Empowered by Collaboration’. Let us seize this moment to build a Nigeria where technology serves as an equaliser, empowering every citizen, every business, and every sector,” he stated.

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Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), emphasized the potential for increased efficiency and effectiveness in Nigeria’s security sector through collaboration between the security industry and the startup ecosystem.

Inuwa made these remarks while hosting the Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Alhaji A. S Adeleke, represented by Deputy Commandant D. E Egbeji.

The visit included faculty members and participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC 17) with the theme “Artificial Intelligence, Security, and Emerging Economies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects,” held at the eGovernment Training Centre (eGTC), Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Kubwa, Abuja.

Inuwa highlighted the unique approaches of the security and information technology (IT) sectors, noting that collaboration could harness the vast opportunities offered by IT, including the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies to strengthen the security sector.

“The way you do things in Security is different from the way we do things in the Information Technology (IT) sector but if we can work together, we can make things better by utilitising the numerous opportunities that IT offers leverage AI, IoT and Emerging technologies in strengthening the security sector.”

Regarding AI, Inuwa asserted that it is a driving force globally, dispelling common misconceptions by emphasising its role in simplifying tasks, providing quick answers, and offering solutions.

He categorized AI into three types based on capability: Narrow Intelligence, General AI, and Deep Learning AI. Narrow Intelligence involves machines outperforming humans in specific tasks, General AI can learn and apply knowledge, and Deep Learning AI uses neural networks, akin to the human brain.

Expanding on AI functionality, Inuwa delineated four categories: Reactive Machines, Limited Memory, Theory of Mind, and Self-Awareness. Reactive Machines operate solely on given data, lacking the ability to remember past information; Limited Memory can store and utilise historical data for predictive analysis, while Theory of Mind involves systems capable of understanding human behavior.

Inuwa added that the NITDA actively supports AI growth in Nigeria through initiatives like the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the ongoing development of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy.

Expressing openness to strategic collaboration, Inuwa highlighted that such partnerships align with the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), particularly the pillar focused on forging strategic partnerships and collaborations. He emphasized that synergistic relationships would amplify Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence.

“We are open to strategic collaboration as it aligns with a pillar of the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) which is to Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration. And synergistic relationships will amplify Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence,” Inuwa added.

In response, Commandant NISS Alhaji A.S Adeleke expressed the institute’s intent to learn from NITDA’s experience, seeking valuable insights to inform an executive brief for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. This brief aims to contribute to policy formulation and implementation.

“We are here to share from your experience and to gather all we can from the beginning of the course, because at the end of the course we are expected to make an executive brief to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR that will aid policy formulation and implementation,” Adeleke said.

In his earlier comments, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, the Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, offered a comprehensive overview detailing the evolutionary journey of NITDA from its inception to the present day. He delved into the agency’s historical milestones, charting its growth, development, and transformative initiatives over the years.

He underscored the role NITDA has played in shaping and steering the trajectory of information technology and development in Nigeria, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation, digital literacy, and technological advancement.

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In a strategic move to actualise the “Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration” pillar outlined in the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0 2024-2027), the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, has affirmed commitment to collaborate effectively with the Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovations of Sierra Leone, Ms Salima Bah.

Representing the DG, the Director of the Corporate Planning and Strategy Department, Dr Aristotle Onumo, conveyed NITDA’s dedication to fostering innovation without inhibiting it and emphasising the significance of co-creation, stakeholder engagements, and innovation in driving NITDA’s regulatory agenda.

Mr. Inuwa further highlighted the necessity of collaboration among various stakeholders within and beyond the public sector and elaborated on the establishment of the Digital Transformation Working Group within each ministry.

This collaborative effort aims to ensure the relevance of policies, frameworks, and guidelines across governmental agencies.
In elucidating NITDA’s approach to regulating Information Technology matters, the DG stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and understanding their needs, problems, and fears.

He underscored the significance of developing laws and policies that address these concerns effectively.
While addressing the monitoring of service delivery, Inuwa recommended an annual submission of IT plans by government agencies to ensure alignment with Agency’s objectives and highlighted the Agency’s use of IT clearance as a swift mechanism for enforcing standards.

On her part, Minister Salima Bah underscored the importance of collaboration in propelling Africa forward in emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain and stated the need for Africa to leverage these technologies for mutual benefit rather than being mere consumers.

Reflecting on the two-day engagement, Bah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from NITDA’s expertise in policy implementation, digital development, and enforcement of standards and guidelines, particularly in the area of technology clearance and compliance.

The minister noted that the meeting between NITDA and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovations signifies a pivotal step towards fostering cross-border collaboration and advancing digital innovation within the African continent.

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As part of efforts in implementing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s (GCFR) Renewed Hope Agenda of accelerating diversification through industrialisation and digitisation, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE has pledged the government’s continued commitment to supporting starting startups in the country with necessary resources and initiatives in advancing the research of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country.

Inuwa made this known at the Innovate Nigeria 2024 Conference & Expo which was held at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos where he gave a thought-provoking keynote address on the role of government in advancing AI research and its implications for Nigeria’s economic future.

The DG who was represented by the Agency’s Director, Corporate Planning and Strategy Department, Dr Aristotle Onumo expressed gratitude to Nova Tech for organising and hosting the conference while emphasising its timely nature amidst the rapid acceleration of AI’s transformative potential globally.

“There could not have been any better time to hold such a conference than now when the rapid acceleration of Artificial Intelligence presents an intriguing paradox, as its seemingly limitless potential promises to revolutionise every facet of life”, he said.

Addressing the perspectives of government involvement in AI research, Inuwa began by citing global trends where governments including the US and China have allocated significant funds for AI research through their recognition of its innovation drive and economic growth potential.

He underscored the positive correlation between government investment and advancements in AI, highlighting its projected market value surpassing $190 billion by 2025.

While speaking on the Nigerian government’s contributions to AI research, Inuwa outlined key initiatives which include direct investment in research and development, establishment of collaborative ecosystems, formulation of policies and regulations, fostering international collaboration and supporting education and workforce development.

He emphatically stated that these contributions directly align with the government’s 8-point agenda, particularly emphasising the importance of creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship to thrive.

“It may interest the audience to note that the 8-point agenda of the present administration aptly captures the requirements of the government in terms of what needs to be done”.

“The 7th agenda which is Accelerating Diversification through Industrialisation, Digitisation, Creative Arts, Manufacturing and Innovation resonates with the specific role of government in AI research upon which democratisation of digital service to create more economic value anchors”, he mentioned.

Inuwa further elucidated on NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan which aims to elevate the country’s AI research ranking and foster digital literacy and talent development.

While emphasising the need for collaboration and partnership frameworks to fund research as well as the government’s efforts in nurturing a vibrant innovation ecosystem, he said that the Agency’s subsidiary, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics is open 24 hours a day to guide, nurture and support startups through the journey of conceptualising their ideas all through to the level of impact and commercialisation.

Conclusively, Inuwa reiterated the transformative potential of AI in driving economic prosperity and emphasised the importance of collaboration between the government and the ecosystem towards exploring new frontiers of knowledge.

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