Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to advancing the research of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This affirmation was made during the Innovate Nigeria 2024 Conference and Expo in Lagos, where he addressed the role of government in fostering AI research and its implications for Nigeria’s economic future.
Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, the Director of NITDA’s Corporate Planning and Strategy Department, emphasized that this commitment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to accelerate diversification through industrialization and digitization.
Drawing attention to global trends, Inuwa highlighted the significant funds allocated by governments such as the U.S. and China for AI research, acknowledging the potential of AI in driving innovation and economic growth. He noted that government investment in AI research is projected to exceed $190 billion by 2025.
The director-general outlined various initiatives undertaken by the government to support AI research, including direct investment in research and development, establishment of collaborative ecosystems, formulation of policies and regulations, fostering international collaboration, and supporting education and workforce development. These initiatives, he stressed, are in line with the government’s agenda of creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship to flourish.
In line with the government’s objectives, Inuwa highlighted the NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP), which aims to enhance the country’s AI research ranking, promote digital literacy, and develop talent in the field of AI.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration frameworks to fund research and the government’s efforts in nurturing a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Inuwa also mentioned the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, a subsidiary of NITDA, which operates 24/7 to guide, nurture, and support startups in the conceptualization, impact, and commercialization of AI-driven ideas.
