Nigeria, U.S. Reinforce Digital Trust Pact with Focus on AI, Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

Nigeria, U.S. Reinforce Digital Trust Pact with Focus on AI, Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

By Gloria Sarauniya Usman

ABUJA, NIGERIA January, 2026 -

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the United States to build a secure, trusted and resilient digital ecosystem, with emphasis on data privacy, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Inuwa made the pledge while addressing participants at the Nigeria Data Privacy Capacity Building Workshop organised by the United States Department of State, in collaboration with the Nigerian Mission and key stakeholders in the digital ecosystem. He described the engagement as a reaffirmation of the long-standing Nigeria–U.S. partnership in advancing digital governance and technical capacity.

He recalled that under the U.S.–Nigeria Binational Commission, both countries agreed in April 2024 to collaborate on priority areas including data privacy, AI, cybersecurity and capacity building, adding that the partnership has since expanded through joint conferences and engagements with U.S. cybersecurity firms to strengthen Nigeria’s technical ecosystem.

According to the NITDA Director General, trust remains central to digital transformation, noting that artificial intelligence depends on data, data requires privacy, and privacy can only be guaranteed through strong cybersecurity frameworks. He stressed that safeguarding privacy, deploying AI responsibly and strengthening security cannot be treated in isolation if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable digital growth.

Inuwa further disclosed plans to expand Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Conference into an international platform this year, providing opportunities for U.S. firms to showcase solutions, partner with Nigerian innovators and deepen cybersecurity cooperation. He assured stakeholders of NITDA’s commitment to enabling policies that promote innovation, local capacity development and Nigeria’s emergence as a key player in the global digital economy.