National Commissioner of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, disclosed the plan in Abuja on Friday during activities marking three years since the Nigeria Data Protection Act was signed into law.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Olatunji said rapid advancements in digital technology have made parts of the legislation due for review.

He explained that when the law was drafted, emerging technologies were referenced broadly because many of the innovations shaping today’s digital economy had not yet become mainstream.

“We are in the era of emerging technologies. At that time, we could only make general references to emerging technologies, but today we can specifically mention Artificial Intelligence, robotics and big data,” he said.

“Ten years ago, nobody was talking about AI the way we are doing now, but today it has become central to virtually every aspect of digital transformation. We need to be more specific about what constitutes emerging technologies and provide examples because the technologies keep evolving,” he added.

While advocating stronger legal provisions for artificial intelligence, Olatunji stressed that human oversight must remain a critical component of AI deployment.

“We still need the human component. We should not leave everything to artificial intelligence,” he said.

He also highlighted concerns around digital footprints, privacy and data governance, noting that regulators must continuously adapt to technological developments.

According to Olatunji, Nigeria’s commitment to periodically reviewing its data protection framework distinguishes it from some countries that continue to rely on legislation enacted more than a decade ago.

He said regular reviews would help ensure that the law remains relevant as new technologies emerge.

Looking ahead, the NDPC chief expressed confidence in the future of Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem, predicting greater awareness, compliance and trust among citizens, businesses and investors.

“I see growth, development, awareness and greater trust in the ecosystem. Compliance will become a necessity rather than an option,” he said.

“We are building a culture of privacy that will make investors and other stakeholders see Nigeria as a country that is ready for digital business. The rights, freedoms and interests of Nigerians and legal residents will be adequately protected,” he added.

The Nigeria Data Protection Act was signed into law on June 12, 2023, establishing a legal framework for the protection of personal data and privacy rights in the country.

The post NDPC Plans Review of Data Protection Law to Address AI, Robotics appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Robots will not only engage in conventional sports but also demonstrate practical applications in areas such as sorting medicines, handling materials, and cleaning services. Among the competitors are humanoids developed by leading Chinese firms such as Unitree and Fourier, reflecting the country’s growing ecosystem of robotics companies.

The Beijing municipal government is a co-organiser of the games, underscoring the political weight placed on robotics development as China confronts both an ageing population and slowing economic growth. Over the past year, the sector has received more than $20 billion in subsidies, while Beijing is also planning a one trillion yuan ($137 billion) fund to back AI and robotics startups.

This latest showcase follows a string of high-profile robotics events in China, including what was billed as the world’s first humanoid robot marathon in Beijing and the opening of retail stores dedicated to humanoid robots. That marathon, however, drew criticism after several competitors broke down mid-race—some emitting smoke—raising doubts about the readiness of the technology.

Despite such setbacks, industry experts see competitions like the World Humanoid Robot Games as critical testing grounds for advancing embodied intelligence. Analysts at Morgan Stanley noted rising public interest in robotics conferences compared with previous years, calling it a sign that enthusiasm for humanoid technology extends beyond government officials. “We believe this widespread interest could be instrumental for China’s continued leadership in the humanoid race, providing the necessary talent, resources, and customers to boost industry development and long-term adoption,” the analysts wrote in a recent report.

Companies participating in the games share a similar outlook. Booster Robotics, whose humanoids are part of Tsinghua University’s football squad, says the sport provides an effective platform to test and refine perception, decision-making, and control technologies that could later find use in homes, factories, and healthcare. “Playing football is a testing and training ground for helping us refine our capabilities,” said Zhao Mingguo, Chief Scientist at Booster Robotics.

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Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) has officially announced the inaugural RAIN Hackathon 1.0, a groundbreaking event designed to bring together innovators and trailblazers in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges.

In an exclusive interview with Tech Digest, Dr. Said Ayoola, the Chief Executive Officer of RAIN, emphasized that the hackathon serves as a melting pot for the continent’s brightest minds, offering a platform to develop impactful solutions that will shape the future of technology across Africa.

Dr. Ayoola extended an invitation to newcomers, students, problem-solvers, technology enthusiasts, and seasoned professionals with innovative ideas aimed at addressing challenges spanning various sectors.

“We invite research teams and innovators from across Africa to participate in RAIN Hackathon 1.0,” he stated. “This event brings together the brightest minds in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to tackle the continent’s most urgent issues.”

He highlighted the importance of collaboration in the field: “By pioneering AI and Robotics solutions across various sectors, we can continue to innovate and shape the technological landscape of Africa.”

The hackathon is open to students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts who possess a genuine passion for solving real-world problems in Africa.

Key competition categories include:

– Food Security: Exploring how technology can ensure a sustainable and resilient food supply.
– National Security: Innovating solutions that enhance safety and security in an increasingly complex world.
– Healthcare: Revolutionizing healthcare systems to improve accessibility and patient outcomes through technology.
– E-Commerce: Leveraging AI and Robotics to create smarter, more efficient e-commerce solutions.
– Special Education: Developing tools that enhance learning experiences for students with special needs.

Participants will also have the opportunity to network with industry experts and connect with leaders in the field, gaining valuable insights and mentorship for personal and professional growth.

In addition to the experience and networking opportunities, teams stand a chance to win cash prizes of up to 1 million Naira.

According to Economic Confidential, the RAIN initiative aims to position Nigeria as a leader in Robotics and AI innovation. RAIN’s objectives include promoting STEM education, supporting entrepreneurship, collaborating with various sectors to shape relevant policies, and organizing events to showcase innovations.

The initiative focuses on five key areas: robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, and data science. It implements numerous initiatives, including student competitions, AI hackathons, mentorship programs, research grants, and industry partnerships.

RAIN seeks to establish Nigeria’s first dedicated robotics and AI hub, create jobs, enhance the country’s global technology ranking, and improve technological education, thus transforming Nigeria’s tech landscape.

Moreover, the RAIN center offers a 12-month, three-semester in-class intensive course in Robot Development and Automation, as well as in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Participants will learn from esteemed faculty members and utilize an up-to-date curriculum in AI and Robotics.

For more information about the RAIN Hackathon 1.0, please visit https://hackathon.rainigeria.com/

By PRNigeria

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB) are joining forces to ignite a digital revolution in FCT schools.

The groundbreaking partnership would see 24 promising young minds from six FCT schools immerse themselves in a two-week intensive training programme focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding, and Robotics.

The third edition of the Reality House competition, which is designed to stimulate creativity and problem-solving will host a dynamic group of 54 individuals – three students and a teacher from each of the eight schools, plus a 12-person support team.

The programme, set to kick off on Saturday, August 17, 2024, aims to cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy problem solvers. Participants are drawn from JSS Tudun Fulani, JSS Narai Karu, JSS Karu, JSS Kubwa 1, JSS Abaji, JSS Kekeshi, JSS Dutse Alhaji 2, and JSS Pyakasa will compete in a reality house TV show-style competition, culminating in a head-to-head debate showcasing their newly acquired skills.

This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of accelerating diversification through industralisation, digitalisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation and NITDA’s pillar of fostering digital literacy and creating a pipeline of tech talent.

The NITDA’s Strategic Action and Roadmap Plan (SRAP) 2.0, which targets 70% digital literacy by 2027, is central to this partnership.

“By equipping these young students with AI, coding, and robotics skills, we are investing in the future of Nigeria,” said NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, “This collaboration with FCT UBEB is a significant step towards building a digitally empowered society.”

The programme will not only enhance students’ academic performance but also instill essential life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Winners will be rewarded with cash prizes and continued mentorship from NITDA and FCT UBEB.

Previous editions of the reality show have yielded impressive results, including increased school enrollment and a growing interest in ICT among students and educators.

The post NITDA, FCT UBEB to Spark Digital Revolution in FCT Schools appeared first on Tech Digest News.

In a significant development in Nigeria’s educational sector aimed at boosting digital literacy among school children, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is set to collaborate with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Educational Board (FCT-UBEB) towards revolutionising the way young Nigerians engage with technology and equipping them with necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE made this known when he hosted a delegation from the Head-to-Head Debate Committee of FCT UBEB led by its Ag. Executive Chairman, Dr Alhassan Sule, at the Agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja to discuss possible areas of collaboration.

Inuwa, who was represented by the agency’s Director of the Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions (ITIS) department, Mr Oladejo Olawumi, stated that the collaboration aligns with a pillar of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) 2024-2027 which is to Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents.

While stating that the pillar is key to the proposed educational board’s debate competition, the DG emphasised the importance of integrating technology into education to capture the interest and potential of young people.

“Children today, often referred to as digital natives, intuitively use technology and unlike us, who are digital migrants, these children seamlessly adapt to new gadgets and platforms. Therefore, it is essential to embed digital knowledge in their learning environment,” he noted.

He disclosed that the agency has been providing infrastructure and resources to facilitate educational transformation as well as digital learning centres across all states of the country.

He added that the Digital Literacy for All programme is a national initiative of the agency which is designed to extend digital education resources to all corners of the country. He urged the visitors to key into the programme while he asserted that it would be instrumental in enhancing digital literacy skills among students and out-of-school children alike.

Highlighting the agency’s focus on emerging technologies, Inuwa stated that extensive research and development are being conducted in areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics which are pivotal for future skill sets.

While referring to a recent collaboration between the agency and the Abuja Enterprise Agency on a Robotics competition organised for secondary schools in Abuja to spur interest in Robotics and technology among students, he said “I think we can work together in this area and make sure that Robotics interest is geared up among the youth.”

Elaborating on the Agency’s ongoing initiatives toward achieving 70% digital literacy in the country by 2027, he further disclosed that the agency is working to integrate digital literacy into the national educational curriculum and providing hands-on experience with technologies like AI and Robotics.

While stressing the importance of addressing the needs of out-of-school children, he mentioned “We are developing programmes in partnership with various stakeholders to attract these children through incentives like school feeding, coupled with digital literacy and other educational training.”

Inuwa noted that the multifaceted approach will ensure that children are not only fed but also equipped with essential digital skills that will pave the way for a more inclusive and technologically proficient future.

In his earlier remark, Dr Sule commended the agency for their various strategic initiatives to ensure a sustainable digitally transformed economy in the country.
While stating that the head-to-head committee is saddled with the responsibility of conducting the FCT Basic Schools debate competition, he noted that 900 students in the FCT will contest in a debate.

He said that finalists from the competition will be moved to a reality house which will be aired live on different media platforms where they will be trained on AI and Robotics.

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By Aminat Akinyemi

TECHDIGEST – As the year 2022 came to a close, the world was thrown into frenzy after a US based AI firm, OpenAI released a groundbreaking solution called “chatGPT” which could converse, reply text messages sent by humans and answer almost any question as accurately as if it were human itself and all-knowing. This solution even proves to have the capacity to write news articles, public speeches, academic papers, computer codes and can go as far as discussing matters relating to your local traditional recipes.

Today, unlike a decade ago, countries are now competing fiercely towards attaining AI supremacy.

This is not surprising as recent events have proven that AI, Robotics, Blockchain and Cybersecurity have a huge impact on national security, intelligence, healthcare and food security. With fast advances in technology, there is no doubt that the next decade presents an opportunity for countries to redefine their future, improve on the quality of life, healthcare and availability of jobs through the needed up-skilling of their workforce and re-modeling of their industries.

Deviating from an age-long Nigerian tradition of simply waiting to import and consume any latest technology in the world rather than contribute to its development, the nation is lucky to have some leaders that are keeping tabs on global developments and are guarding the coast keenly.

For example, in 2019, a young Nigerian, Olusola Ayoola after bagging his Ph.D in the area of Nuclear Robotics and working extensively with UK’s government decided to return home to establish Nigeria’s first fully functional Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Facility for training, research and product development.

Since its establishment, RAIN has proven to be world class and has even attracted international students and recognitions from the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations Ms Amina J. Mohammed, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), USA and Canada missions in Nigeria, as well as First Bank of Nigeria Plc., Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the National institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

READ ALSO: Lawmaker Secures Government Funding for Ibadan AI-Robotics

Some of the groundbreaking research carried out at RAIN include unattended baggage detection, mini weather station, AI based Traffic Light System, a ground robot vehicle and unmanned VTOL aerial vehicle (IMORP), CETHED and RAINSC75/76.

The great feat which RAIN has achieved without any support from Government and this fact only makes one want to ask what an intervention grant will do to the growth of technology in Nigeria.

This must have been the thought of Honorable Oluyemi Adewale Taiwo, a federal lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Oyo State when in January 2022 and on the floor of the green hallow chamber, Honorable Oluyemi Taiwo moved a motion for the house to encourage the federal government to liaise and work with RAIN especially during the course of tackling the insecurity. The house unanimously adopted the motion and passed a resolution in support.

Honorable Oluyemi Adewale Taiwo did not stop at that. The pragmatic lawmaker followed this up with the ministry of science, technology and innovation until he successfully got the nod of the ministry to provide such intervention grant.

This is a confirmation of his stewardship to his constituency. However, the nation could do with more of his kind that will direct the federal government’s attention to burgeoning areas within the economy that can help return this nation to the path of greatness. No doubt, with this intervention grant, being well managed by the tested and proven management of the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria board, the nation can only expect to move upwards from this point onward.

The Chief Executive of RAIN, Dr Ayoola has confirmed that there are lofty plans in place including the construction of a Centre for Excellence in Drone and Unmanned Vehicles for Geospatial Intelligence, provision of training scholarships to the youths of Nigeria, particularly those from Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, and the improvement of AI Robotics product prototypes up to the required military standards.

While the efforts of Honorable Oluyemi Adewale Taiwo are not common in this part of the world, it is not unexpected as he was basically doing what a genuine representative of the people will do in order to preserve the indigenous technological firms in his constituency, promote their global advantage and protect the future of the youths in such communities through up-skilling.

Let it be known that when Nigeria becomes a great country, it is the sacrifices of genuinely honourable men like Hon. Oluyemi Taiwo of House of Rep and his supportive colleagues in the National assembly, the Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora as well as the permanent secretary of the ministry which will be mentioned for praises. Now, let Nigeria’s global competitiveness in AI and Robotics begin.

Aminat Akinyemi writes from Ibadan and can be reach via Aaebunoluwa@gmail.com

The post RAIN and Shaping Nigeria’s AI, Robotics’ Future appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – A federal lawmaker, Oluyemi Taiwo, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, has secured a federal government intervention fund for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), a tech firm in Ibadan.

The fund will assist RAIN in becoming a ‘Centre of Excellence’ in robotics, drone technology, and unmanned ground vehicles for geospatial intelligence gathering, Tech Digest gathered.

Chief Executive of RAIN, Dr. Ayoola Ishaq Olusola explained that with the support they have gotten from the FG, their firm will become a Centre of Excellence in drones and unmanned vehicles’ production.

“We will also be providing scholarships to Nigerian youths, particularly those from Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, while upgrading our AI-Robotics’ prototypes.

“While the efforts of Honorable Oluyemi Adewale Taiwo are not common in this part of the world, it is not unexpected as he was basically doing what a genuine representative of the people will do in order to preserve the indigenous technological firms in his constituency, promote their global advantage and protect the future of the youths in such communities through up-skilling.

“Let it be known that when Nigeria becomes a great country, it is the sacrifices of genuinely honourable men like Hon. Oluyemi Taiwo of House of Rep and his supportive colleagues in the National assembly, the Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora as well as the permanent secretary of the ministry which will be mentioned for praise. Now, let Nigeria’s global competitiveness in AI and Robotics begins.

READ ALSO: NUJ Commends NITDA for Digital Journalism Trainings at State Level

“There is a lot of work in the area of geospatial intelligence gathering that RAIN will be supporting the government on,” Ishaq Olusola said.

The post Lawmaker Secures Government Funding for Ibadan AI-Robotics Firm appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – A 17-year-old boy in Kano State, Isah Auwal-Barde, has invented a robot that works with robotic exoskeleton remote control.

Exoskeleton remote control is a system of controlling a robot by the person operating it through demonstration with parts of his body.

Auwal-Barde told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Saturday that he grew up with passion of creativity.

He explained that he graduated from Government Secondary School (GSS), Sabuwar-Kofa, Kano, in 2021, and obtained seven credits in science subjects in the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

Auwal-Barde said, ”it took me two years to invent the robot using local materials like DC motors, copper wires, pipes, corrugated cardboard as well as metal, among others, and the robot works with electricity.

“I want to be a robotics engineer, so that I can be producing robots that can be used in addressing security challenges bedeviling the country,” he said

READ ALSO: Meet Katsina-Based “Creative Meastro” Tackling Nigeria’s Unemployment, Social Crisis With Digital Solutions

Auwal-Barde stated that his father had contributed immensely in encouraging him towards ensuring the success of the project.

“I thank my father for encouraging me towards success of the project.

“Now, I want to get a scholarship to further my education abroad to fulfill my dream of becoming a robotics engineer,” he said.

Auwal-Barde further said that his prowess in robotics engineering attracted a delegation from the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), to visit him.

According to him, the delegation promised to secure an admission for him in one of the indigenous universities to study Computer Engineering.

Commenting on the development, his father, Auwal Barde said that the boy grew up with passion of creativity.

Barde said that he always encouraged his son and never prevented him from achieving his potentials.

“I have been giving him words of encouragement and telling him that he will become a robotics engineer in future.

“And whenever our electricity or electronics had faults, he was the one to repair them,” he said.

He called on the government to support his son with a scholarship to study robotics engineering abroad.

Barde said that would enable him to realize his full potentials and contribute to nation building.(NAN)

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TECHDIGEST – The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has said that NITDA is working to deliver its mandate of developing the Nigerian digital sector by building a regulatory instrument for emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Drones.

Abdullahi spoke at the 2nd Drone Technology Expo And Conference (DRONETECX 2022) in Lagos on ‘Harnessing the Convergence of Drones and Information Technology in Advancing Digital Economy’.

He said that it is worthy of note that the Digital Society & Emerging Technology pillar in National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) covers the aspect of drones and IT in advancing digital economy.

The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), a subsidiary of the Agency, is currently undertaking research activities in the areas of drones and other unmanned vehicles, particularly on applications related to agriculture and security.

He said, “In the past century, Mankind had explored and successfully conquered the skies and started utilizing it for the benefit of the entire humanity, starting with the Wright Brothers and their first powered flight, the invention of rockets that helped launch satellites, to invention of jet engines that make commercial aviation possible, and so many more fascinating inventions around the aviation sector. This triumph over the skies was an important stepping-stone towards taking flight to the new era – the unmanned aerial revolution.”

Inuwa noted that Aerial robot commonly known as Drone is an emerging technology area set to change lives for good. The fast development of GPS and lithium polymer batteries can be attributed as an enabler for these drones to soar in the last two decades.

He added that, “Drone technology has been spreading like wildfire through various fields and applications such as cinematography, inspection, mapping, surveillance etc. Nowadays, the simplicity of drone technology and its low cost have engaged the imaginations of millions of professionals and hobbyists around the world, inspiring great ideas and vast applications.”

Abdullahi explained that, logistics is one of the key areas that NITDA is looking to harness using drone technology, so that Nigeria will create opportunities to advance digital economy.

“As e-commerce gains traction globally, the application of drones for quick delivery of packages is gaining momentum. Global e-commerce giants such as Amazon are already experimenting with drone delivery technologies. It is our dream that soon we can help our e-commerce giants like Jumia and Konga adopt these technologies to enhance their competitiveness in the sector.

READ ALSO: NITDA Shares Country’s Roadmap With Stakeholders At Dubai’s Blockchain Gathering

“While speed may be the first thing that comes to mind when we discuss drone package delivery, the environmental benefits are also worthy of consideration. A study compared drones to truck delivery and found that CO2 emissions alone are 200 times more when we use trucks, and the cost of operation is 260 times more. Overall, drones were reported to accomplish delivery tasks in 20% of the time it takes a delivery vehicle and are far less polluting,” he said.

According to the NITDA’s boss, the market for drones is estimated to be $127 billion across a variety of industries. Notably, the commercial use of drones will predominantly affect agriculture, logistics and entertainment; key areas Nigeria will benefit from economically.

He added that due to the ability to cover large areas quickly and cheaply, drone use in agriculture is anticipated to reduce the cost of agricultural processes. On a macroeconomic scale, the integration of drones could create more than 100,000 jobs, primarily in manufacturing and operations. This is an opportunity for Nigeria to provide jobs for our teeming youths in this sector.

“Nigeria is in dire need of developing its technological capacity, especially in the Digital Era, where national wealth creation is anchored to technological prowess of a nation.

“NITDA, under the direction of the ministry, established the NCAIR in November 2020, as a digital innovation and research facility focused on Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies such as drones.

“The NCAIR is currently undertaking research activities in the areas of drones and other unmanned vehicles, particularly on applications related to agriculture and security. The Centre’s focus areas include Machine and Deep Learning, Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), Intelligent Robotics & Drones, Extended Reality (XR), Digital Manufacturing, and Prototyping.

“I encourage you all drone technology enthusiasts to explore areas of collaboration with the Centre so as to accelerate the development of indigenous technologies related to drones and other unmanned vehicles.

“I would like to reiterate that the federal government is keen on encouraging more of these initiatives to be developed to leverage the available opportunities offered by digital technologies to innovate and enhance our nation’s competitiveness and by extension, the economic growth and prosperity of our dear country, Nigeria, the Abdullahi added.

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By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

TECHDIGEST – It is obvious that the rising security challenges in Nigeria has apparently continued to defy all measures, thereby proving difficult to contain. This has therefore necessitated the need to employ other alternative approaches as a means to surmounting this monstrous hydra-headed problem.

With the currently ongoing 4th industrial revolution (IR) cutting across all sectors of humanities, the copious role of technology in tackling insecurity can never be downplayed in this digital age. The present revolution is mainly characterized by digitalization and automation-just as the one we see in robotic technology.

This IR has over the years led to the evolution and advancement of many technological innovations which can be employed in stemming the rising tides of security challenges in Nigeria. Notable among them include; Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (AIR), Drones, Internet of Things (IoT) among others.

Particularly, Information Technology has continued playing a significant role in strengthening national security against future upcoming threats and cyber-attacks. It can help countries to identify potential threats, share information easily, and protect mechanisms in them.

Although Nigeria has taken bold steps to settle their insecurity issues by the traditional security agencies through combat or physical and non-kinetic or soft approach, there still exist several unresolved issues bordering the country’s peaceful coexistence on one hand.

Embracing emerging technologies through accurate mapping of contiguous areas using geospatial science and technology such as satellite Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) on the other hand will be very apt.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be a driver of national security through utilizing GPS Technology, social networking tools, Virtual Emergency Operations Centers, use of CCTV cameras, intelligent monitoring, Data Mining and Database Tracking among others.

Meanwhile, the application of drones to mount surveillance and collect relevant information has become a norm in security industries. To that effect, the country’s leading technological agency, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has engaged in doing a lot of efforts in providing digital solutions to Nigeria’s security challenge.

The National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, a subsidiary of the Agency is fostering the development of emerging technologies in preparing Nigeria for the Fourth Industrial Revolution through research and development of technologies like drones, robotics, Artificial Intelligence etc. as a veritable tool in combating National insecurity.

With the advent of artificial intelligence, automated vehicles and drones amongst many other hi-tech innovations in fighting war, it is noted that the use of technology in combating insecurity in the country can never be overemphasized.

It’s impossible for security professionals to monitor all parts of the building at all times. Having a unified system which includes cameras, alarms, detectors and analytics tools means that these individuals can be immediately notified if an incident occurs that requires their attention.

To that effect, CCTV cameras can be mounted in strategic locations and adequately monitored by assigned individual from a centralized platform. Through this, early warning signals can be detected and proactive measures can be quickly implemented to neutralize any incoming potential threats.

It is pertinent to understand that advances in technology are reshaping global security capabilities, from enhancing the way we monitor our borders to helping mitigate insecurity and the impact of natural disasters. Just a few generations ago, unmanned drones were confined to the pages of science fiction and artificial intelligence seemed years in the future. Today, sophisticated technologies are transforming every aspect of our daily lives.

Technology has been helping to mitigate security threats through various ways. These include but are not limited to areas like Cybersecurity, Autonomous Drone Technology, Using AI to interpret Satellite Images, AI Video Surveillance and Internet of Things connectivity.

Autonomous drones can be flown around locations suspected to be swarmed by criminal elements for efficient surveillance so as to gather intelligence and subsequently transmit to the database for analysis. And while their use often sparks privacy concerns, they are still a useful force to reckon with in security and defense.

For example, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry’s CoasTitan System in South Asia has been harnessing the power of autonomous air and sea vehicles to guard against coastline threats, including terrorism, illegal immigration, smuggling, pirates and illegal fishing

The Nigeria’s National Security strategy 2019, a document published by the office of the national security adviser (ONSA), Babagana Monguno noted that, “An evolving phenomenon in airspace security is the preponderance of drones which constitute safety challenges such as air misses and mid-air collisions with manned aircraft and security challenges such as air space violation, penetration of prohibited airspaces, threat to VIP security, terrorism and espionage.”

As we embrace the digital world, new types of crime become inevitable. While traditional cybersecurity defenses include monitoring, analysis, software management and network security mainly designed for IT systems, the latest developments are more proactive and designed for operational technology systems.

Security experts have long been able to tap into satellite images to help their prevention and response efforts. Now, with the availability and quality of these images increasing, they offer an even more valuable resource for security and disaster-relief operations. When flooding occurs, maps of the damaged areas can be rapidly drawn together, allowing resources to be directed appropriately. Other uses include in border security or in monitoring industrial trends.

In a similar way, today’s autonomous surveillance cameras eliminate the need for humans to spend hours staring at screens. Instead, connected sensors, network storage and AI-enabled systems can keep an autonomous, high-definition eye on things 24/7. They can be employed with software that has the capacity to detect movement and recognize individual faces, even in darkness.

The ever-increasing IoTs connectivity has both positive and negative implications for security. On the one hand, a plethora of information can be harvested and processed in a short space of time. Meanwhile, increasing the flow of information between devices exposes new threats and opportunities for interception.

Therefore, it is apparent that technology has been able to provide us with all the necessary softwares and hardwares needed in tackling every kind of security threat in the country. Thus, efforts should be channeled towards creating an enabling environment where these advances could be harnessed and utilized effectively to our advantage.

Mukhtar is a Staff Writer with Emergency Digest

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