Nigeria Positions Itself as Africa’s AI Leader — NITDA DG

Nigeria Positions Itself as Africa’s AI Leader — NITDA DG

By Gloria Sarauniya Usman

ABUJA, NIGERIA October, 2025 -

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to become a major player in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI), aligning its efforts with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at a plenary session themed “Technology, Migration & Trade Representation” during the Stakeholders’ Interactive Engagement with the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance at the State House, Abuja, Inuwa outlined Nigeria’s strategic roadmap for emerging technologies. He said the administration’s priority on industrialization, digitalization, and innovation serves as the foundation for NITDA’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives.

Highlighting the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy as a key framework, Inuwa said Nigeria’s first priority is to build the foundational infrastructure for AI development — expanding connectivity, creating sovereign cloud platforms, and developing inclusive national datasets. He cited the launch of the National Multilingual Large Language Model in New York as a milestone that ensures Nigeria’s languages and culture are represented in future AI systems.

The NITDA boss also emphasized empowering startups and innovators under the Nigerian Startup Act, which provides a legal and institutional framework for the ecosystem. “Innovation thrives when government, investors, and global partners collaborate. We are also ensuring inclusivity by prioritizing women’s participation in tech,” he noted.

Inuwa concluded by stressing responsible governance and the co-creation of an AI regulatory framework with stakeholders to ensure safety, accountability, and innovation. “Nigeria is not waiting to be carried along in the AI revolution — we are building the future and inviting others to innovate with us,” he stated.