Senin, 18 Agustus 2025

NITDA Promotes AI and Security for Sustainable Growth

NITDA Promotes AI and Security for Sustainable Growth

The Role of Intelligence, Security, and Sustainability in Nigeria’s Digital Transformation

Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has underscored the importance of integrating intelligence, security, and sustainability as key drivers for Nigeria's digital transformation and global competitiveness. His remarks were made during a goodwill message delivered at the opening of the 19th International Conference (CONNOVATE 2025) of the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), which was themed “Intelligent, Secure, and Sustainable Innovations for a Connected World.”

Inuwa was represented by Engr. Salisu Kaka, Director of E-Government and Digital Economy Development, who emphasized that these three elements are now essential for national progress. He pointed to the convergence of these factors as a way to unlock new opportunities within Nigeria's technology sector. As an example, he referenced Estonia’s X-Road platform, which allows 99% of government services to be accessed online, highlighting it as a model for other nations.

Trust is a critical component in Nigeria’s high-stakes digital environment, where scams and cybercrime are prevalent. Inuwa stressed that security plays a vital role in building and maintaining this trust. While security forms the foundation, intelligence builds the structure, with tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and data analytics being instrumental in addressing complex challenges.

He warned that innovation without security is unsustainable, comparing it to a high-performance race car without brakes. This analogy underscores the need for a balanced approach where technological advancement is supported by robust security measures.

Inuwa also encouraged the next wave of Nigerian startups to go beyond digitizing existing processes and instead focus on creating new value. Examples include AI-powered wealth management solutions and ML-driven remote diagnostics. These innovations can significantly enhance efficiency and accessibility in various sectors.

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) has launched several initiatives to support this vision. These include the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), the Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT), the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, the national digital identity programme, interoperable payments, and human capital initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) and Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programmes.

Inuwa also cited the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) President, Antony Wong, who called for stronger protection and strategic use of data in the Global South to safeguard indigenous knowledge. He highlighted the importance of legal clarity on data ownership as Nigeria’s cultural heritage in medicine, ecology, and art is digitized and integrated into AI systems. Wong praised Nigeria’s role in the recent World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaty protecting genetic resources and traditional knowledge.

Dr. Muhammad Sirajo, the NCS President, welcomed attendees and outlined the conference’s goals. He stated that the event would serve as a platform for IT professionals to address critical issues, including intelligent systems, fintech, sustainable energy, and innovations in agriculture, health, education, and national planning.

“This conference will provide an interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to present and discuss recent innovations, trends, and solutions for improving technological systems,” Sirajo said.

The week-long event features a variety of activities, including plenary sessions, a doctoral consortium, a youth and entrepreneurship forum, the Fellows Forum, the Annual General Meeting, an IT quiz competition for students, and an induction ceremony for new members. The conference will conclude with the election of new national executives, a dinner, and an awards night celebrating contributions to the ICT sector.

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