"Nigeria Embraces AI in Healthcare, Agriculture, and Manufacturing, Says NITDA"

Table of Contents

1. Nigeria's Commitment to AI
2. Presentation at Stakeholders’ Engagement
3. Economic Diversification and Inclusivity
4. National AI Strategy
5. Nurturing the Ecosystem
6. Sectoral Transformation with AI
7. Vision for the Future

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a significant influencer in the global artificial intelligence (AI) arena.

During his presentation at the Stakeholders’ Interactive Engagement with the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, held at the State House in Abuja and themed ‘Technology, Migration & Trade Representation’, Inuwa outlined Nigeria’s strategic roadmap for emerging technologies.

He highlighted that President Bola Tinubu prioritizes economic diversification and inclusivity, focusing on accelerating industrialization, digitalization, creative industries, manufacturing, and innovation.

The NITDA chief clarified that at the core of this ambition is Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, which provides a clear pathway for the nation's technological future, emphasizing the need for expanded connectivity, the development of sovereign cloud platforms, and the creation of clean and representative national datasets.

Inuwa emphasized the necessity of nurturing the ecosystem by empowering startups and innovators, supported by the Nigerian Startup Act, which offers a legal and institutional framework for growth.

“Innovation does not occur in isolation. An ecosystem that connects government, innovators, investors, and global partners is essential,” he added.

Regarding sectoral transformation, Inuwa explained that AI is being integrated into critical industries such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and education to significantly enhance productivity. He noted that AI will not replace humans; instead, it will augment human efforts.

“With AI, we can achieve tenfold the productivity we are experiencing today. Consider the implications when our doctors can diagnose more swiftly, our farmers can better predict yields, and our manufacturers can eliminate inefficiencies. That is the kind of advancement Nigeria is gearing up for,” he stated.

“If you are digitally invisible, AI will not factor you into its decision-making processes. This is why inclusivity is not optional; it is essential,” he asserted.

“Our journey transcends technology; it is about people, prosperity, and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in shaping the future of artificial intelligence,” he emphasized.