This initiative, led by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), seeks to simplify access to public services through a unified digital platform.

Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of NITDA, recently discussed the plan during a meeting with officials from the Ukrainian Embassy in Nigeria. He revealed that the agency is developing an online portal where Nigerians can access various government services, including tax payments, licence renewals, international passport applications, healthcare, and social benefits. 

The goal is to eliminate the fragmented structure that currently hampers efficiency in government operations.

Inuwa explained that Nigeria has been studying successful e-governance models from other nations, particularly the United Kingdom and Kenya. He noted that while these models may not be directly transferable, they offer valuable insights that can be adapted to suit Nigeria’s unique challenges.

“We have been doing research on how the UK, Kenya and other countries have achieved this, so I believe we can learn from you as well to see how we can build our own,” Inuwa stated. 

He emphasised the importance of enacting necessary laws to support the transition, noting that some nations operate through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) while others use government-mandated digital platforms.

Expanding Digital Access to Local Governments

Beyond federal-level digitisation, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has outlined plans to integrate all 774 local government headquarters into the digital framework by 2027. 

This initiative aims to extend digital public infrastructure to underserved areas, ensuring that government services become more accessible nationwide.

An aspect of this plan is improving internet connectivity at the local government level. Reliable internet access is expected to enhance service delivery in key sectors such as healthcare, education, social welfare, and infrastructure development.

Overcoming Past Setbacks

This is not Nigeria’s first attempt at implementing a comprehensive e-governance strategy. The government previously introduced the e-Government Masterplan in 2019 and launched the OneGov.net initiative to unify public services. 

However, these initiatives were challenged with inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and technical limitations. As a result, progress was slow, and many initiatives failed to gain traction.

Addressing the Connectivity Gap

One of the major obstacles to successful e-governance in Nigeria is poor connectivity. Reuben Oshomah, regional director at Avanti Satellite, pointed out that broadband penetration is uneven, particularly in rural areas. While urban centres benefit from relatively stable internet access, many communities still struggle with limited connectivity.

Oshomah pointed to Estonia as a benchmark, noting that despite having only 30% of Nigeria’s population, the European nation has achieved 90% internet penetration. In contrast, data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that broadband penetration in Nigeria stood at 44.43% as of December 2024.

However, there is hope in the proposed national fibre project, which aims to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable across the country. The goal is to improve connectivity and provide the necessary infrastructure for e-governance to thrive.

The Role of Stakeholders

Professor Ibrahim Adepoju, managing director of Galaxy Backbone, stressed that achieving Nigeria’s e-governance goals would require stronger collaboration across public and private sectors. He noted that many government agencies are unaware of existing digital infrastructure and called for better awareness and utilisation of available resources.

“It’s important to improve our broadband and ensure that our infrastructure remains relevant,” Adepoju stated, pointing out that current capacity remains underutilised despite significant investments.

Similarly, Hauwa Buba Wakili, head of Digital Skills and Services at the NCC, outlined efforts to enhance e-governance through indigenous content development, research, and capacity building. “We have been focusing on infrastructure and have developed a policy to drive indigenous content in the telecom sector. We’re looking at manufacturing, capacity building, and R&D,” she explained.

Nigeria needs to launch functional, accessible, and sustainable products in the long run. With the right policies, infrastructure, and stakeholder commitment, the country may finally bridge the gap between aspiration and execution in its e-governance journey.

While the federal government is targeting this initiative, collaboration must be ensured across all levels of government.

The initiative will enable participants to create data-driven digital maps of Nigeria’s 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), focusing on critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, roads, and utilities. 

The goal is to provide thorough insights to aid sustainable development and decision-making processes.

The competition, which comes with cash prizes totaling ₦11 million, invites teams of innovators to showcase Nigeria’s infrastructure needs and opportunities, helping drive strategic investments and government policies to improve the nation’s development.

Benefits

Participants in the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge will gain the following benefits:

• Cash Prizes: A total of ₦11 million is up for grabs, with ₦1 million awarded to each of the six regional winners and ₦5 million to the national grand prize winner.
• Skill Development: The challenge will help participants build required skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data science, and digital storytelling, all of which are essential for infrastructure planning and development.
• Collaboration: Participants will work in diverse teams that combine technical and non-technical expertise, promoting collaboration and innovation.
• National Impact: The competition allows participants to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development by stressing critical infrastructure needs that can guide government policies and private sector investments.
• Visibility: Winners at each level will gain recognition at the state, regional, and national levels, increasing opportunities for future projects and partnerships with stakeholders in Nigeria’s development sector.

Eligibility

To participate in the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

• Nigerian Citizenship: All participants must be Nigerian citizens with valid identification (National ID, Voter’s Card, International Passport, or Driver’s License).
• Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years or older at the time of registration to ensure legal participation.
• Team Composition: Each team must consist of 2-5 members, combining both technical and non-technical expertise to facilitate a well-rounded approach to problem-solving.
• State Representation: Teams must represent a specific Nigerian state, with at least one member having an in-depth understanding of the state, either through residency, work, or academic experience.
• Ethical Data Use: Participants are required to use open or ethically sourced data for their projects. Use of proprietary data without permission may result in disqualification.
• Compliance with Rules: Participants must adhere to all rules and regulations of the competition, including moral conduct and respect for intellectual property rights.

How to Apply

Interested participants can apply for the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge via the website.

These centres will concentrate on innovations in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology.

The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, noted this at the IoT West Africa Conference. He outlined the focus areas for the research centres, which go beyond AI, IoT, and blockchain, to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), additive manufacturing, and robotics. 

As explained by the NITDA DG, these specialized research centres are expected to drive advancements in emerging sectors.

In addition to promoting research, NITDA plans to support Nigerian startups developing products based on these technologies. The agency aims to create innovation sandboxes where startups can develop practical applications and bring their ideas to market, supporting the growth of new businesses in the tech sector.

An important part of NITDA’s initiative includes its involvement in the federal government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. This initiative aims to train and empower three million Nigerians with technical skills by 2027. 

Although some of these individuals may seek opportunities abroad, their expertise will contribute to Nigeria’s global talent pool and potentially increase remittances back to the country, bolstering the economy.

During the IoT West Africa Conference in Lagos, the Managing Director of Vertex Next, Shitij Taneja, highlighted Nigeria’s prospect of becoming “Africa’s Silicon Valley.” 

Taneja noted that Nigeria’s large youth population and dynamic startup sector places the country at the fore in technology development within Africa. 

The conference underlined Nigeria’s growing importance in the tech industry, attracting huge investment and facilitating the development of IoT and other emerging technologies.

The IoT West Africa Conference, co-located with the Africa Data Center and Cloud Expo, showcased emerging technologies and reiterated the essential role of the telecoms industry in the region’s economic growth and digital adoption. 

The event accentuated Lagos’ strategic importance as a hub for technology and innovation, mirroring Nigeria’s rapid technological advancements and the striving digital economy.

Aiming to attract investors’ support in Nigerian startups, the conference further enhances the country’s standing in the global tech industry.

This initiative focuses on revolutionizing the way young Nigerians engage with technology, equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE made this known when he hosted a delegation from the Head-to-Head Debate Committee of FCT UBEB led by its Ag. Executive Chairman, Dr Alhassan Sule, at the Agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja to discuss possible areas of collaboration.

Inuwa, who was represented by the agency’s Director of the Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions (ITIS) department, Mr Oladejo Olawumi, stated that the collaboration aligns with a pillar of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) 2024-2027 which is to Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents.

While stating that the pillar is key to the proposed educational board’s debate competition, the DG emphasized the importance of integrating technology into education to capture the interest and potential of young people.

“Children today, often referred to as digital natives, intuitively use technology and unlike us, who are digital migrants, these children seamlessly adapt to new gadgets and platforms. Therefore, it is essential to embed digital knowledge in their learning environment,” he noted.

He disclosed that the agency has been providing infrastructure and resources to facilitate educational transformation as well as digital learning centres across all states of the country.

He added that the Digital Literacy for All programme is a national initiative of the agency which is designed to extend digital education resources to all corners of the country. 

He urged the visitors to key into the programme while he asserted that it would be instrumental in enhancing digital literacy skills among students and out-of-school children alike.

Highlighting the agency’s focus on emerging technologies, Inuwa stated that extensive research and development are being conducted in areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics which are pivotal for future skill sets.

While referring to a recent collaboration between the agency and the Abuja Enterprise Agency on a Robotics competition organised for secondary schools in Abuja to spur interest in Robotics and technology among students, he said “I think we can work together in this area and make sure that Robotics interest is geared up among the youth.”

Elaborating on the Agency’s ongoing initiatives toward achieving 70% digital literacy in the country by 2027, he further disclosed that the agency is working to integrate digital literacy into the national educational curriculum and providing hands-on experience with technologies like AI and Robotics.

While stressing the importance of addressing the needs of out-of-school children, he mentioned “We are developing programmes in partnership with various stakeholders to attract these children through incentives like school feeding, coupled with digital literacy and other educational training.”

Inuwa noted that the multifaceted approach will ensure that children are not only fed but also equipped with essential digital skills that will pave the way for a more inclusive and technologically proficient future.

In his earlier remark, Dr Sule commended the agency for their various strategic initiatives to ensure a sustainable digitally transformed economy in the country.

While stating that the head-to-head committee is saddled with the responsibility of conducting the FCT Basic Schools debate competition, he noted that 900 students in the FCT will contest in a debate.

He said that finalists from the competition will be moved to a reality house which will be aired live on different media platforms where they will be trained on AI and Robotics.

The strategic partnership which was formalised at the NYSC Secretariat in Abuja, seeks to bridge the digital divide and empower the next generation to thrive in an increasingly digital world, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reform the economy and deliver sustained inclusive growth by leveraging digital literacy and cultivating a pool of tech talent.

The initiative will focus on providing practical training in key areas such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.

It aims to reach 30 millions of Nigerian youths, including NYSC members, with the goal of equipping them with skills necessary for the digital economy by 2027.

Speaking on the importance of digital literacy, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, emphasised leveraging on technology to enhance productivity and digital skills.

He said, “We have set up the team working with your team to explore how you can infuse technology into the NYSC process, experiment emerging technologies like blockchain to secure NYSC certificates and build digital skills capacity among Corp Members. Today we are here on the bigger mission.”

Inuwa cited global research which predicted 85 million talent deficits by 2030, which could result in a loss of 8.5 trillion US dollars in annual value if unaddressed. According to him, this initiative will not only enhance employability but also drive innovation and economic growth in Nigeria.

“We developed the National Digital Literacy Framework with an ambitious target of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030, with a mid-term target of 70% by 2027. The framework promotes universal access to digital literacy, skills development at various proficiency levels, and workforce readiness for future digital demands,” he added.

Inuwa further detailed the implementation plan, which includes training Corp Members during their service year and using them as digital literacy ambassadors across Nigeria.

“Our target is how can we leverage your platform to deepen that digital literacy. The initiative will involve onboarding Corp Members on digital platforms, providing continuous learning opportunities, and selecting ambassadors to teach digital skills in their communities.

“We need to build a tailor-made solution that will address our challenges, harness indigenous talents to promote digital solutions, and this requires the collective efforts of the government, private sectors, and all stakeholders,” he added.

On his part, the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, commended the collaboration, while emphasising unity of purpose in achieving shared goals.

He said, “I appreciate this collaboration because I believe we are one family and we are working towards the same goal. I also believe that if there is anything we can give, it is our commitment. Regardless of where you come from, as long as, at the end of the day, the Nigerian youth are in a better position from where they are coming from, that is what is important” 

The Minister acknowledged the dedication of all involved and expressed gratitude towards the NYSC’s leadership, commitment and availability to the cause.

The Director General of NYSC, Brig Gen YD Ahmed, in his response, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and NYSC’s readiness to fully engage.

He said, “This process for us in NYSC is a very good one, and there is no any iota of doubt we are going to fully collaborate with NITDA to grab the process,” he assured.

This initiative, a partnership between Tech4DevHQ, NITDA, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, aims to achieve a 70% digital literacy rate in Nigeria by 2027, aligning with President Buhari’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the economy through technology.

The DigitalforAll Challenge 2.0 is designed to increase digital literacy across Nigeria by providing free digital skill-building competitions and programs. Divided into two phases, the challenge comprises a training phase and a competition phase, with beneficiaries required to undergo assessment to qualify for the latter.

Benefits

The program offers benefits across three categories:

• Young Learners between the ages of 12 to 18

• Youth Category (Ages 19-45), and

• Civil Servants.

Winners and runners-up in each category stand a chance to receive cash prizes, laptops, tablets, and other consolation prizes.

• Young Learners & Youth Category: Winners receive cash prizes ranging from N10 million to N15 million, with the first and second runners-up receiving consolation prizes.

• Civil Servants: Eligible civil servants completing the training and receiving certification from the basic digital skilling program stand to benefit from the competition.

Eligibility

Young Learners Category:

• Age: 8 – 18 years.

• Must be a student in primary or secondary school.

• Completion of training and passing the basic digital literacy assessment are prerequisites for competition qualification.

• Only actively employed teachers can register schools and students.

Youth Category:

• Age: 19 – 45 years.

• Completion of training and certification from the challenge’s basic or advanced digital skilling program is mandatory.

Civil Servants Category:

• Must be a civil servant.

• Completion of training and certification from the basic digital skilling program is necessary.

How to Apply

The DigitalforAll Challenge 2.0 represents a key opportunity for Nigerians to enhance their digital skills, compete, and emerge as leaders in the digital age. Apply to join the challenge.

The Digital literacy App marked a leap in technological innovation and inclusivity with its design to interact seamlessly in four local languages: Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, and Pidgin.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, who was the special guest at the launch, recalled how NITDA and UNICCON Group had signed an MOU earlier in the year to partner on developing the digital literacy app.

The DG was excited as he revealed that he was privileged to represent the former Vice President to launch Omeife, the first Humanoid robot in Africa, in December 2022. Three months later, he came on a facility tour of UNICCON group, and thereafter, challenged the Chairman, Dr. Chucks Ekwueme, to develop the Digital Literacy App. “We need to use the technology to solve existing problems and decide on digital literacy because it is the currency to a digital economy”.

Inuwa assured of NITDA’s commitment towards investing in UNICCON Group in terms of research, and called for developmental partners to collaborate to achieve this vision. He further, commended the efforts of GIZ who are currently working with NITDA on the policy dialogue to implement the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF).

“As a government regulatory body, NITDA is saddled with the responsibility to deliver on the administration’s ambitious target of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030, to enable Nigeria become a global superpower in digital economy, and Nigerians needs to be digitally literate,” said the NITDA boss.

He noted that the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, recently, unveiled a blueprint with a mid-term target of achieving 70% by the end of 2023, by training 70% of 200 million within four years in, in-person training. “That’s why we need this kind of technology”, he added excitedly. 

He further encouraged the UNICCON Group to attend the upcoming policy dialogues scheduled to hold in Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt, to provide a platform to exhibit Omeife and get possible feedback on how to improve on it, to make it the primary or main tool to implement NDLF in Nigeria. 

Accordingly, he explained that the policy dialogue is a forum where critical industry stakeholders participate to enable co-creation of the policy. Adding that Nigeria is invested in the application of AI, which is embedded in the blueprint launched by the Minister, and the President has given the mandate to grow the nations’ GDP and economy through technology. 

“AI has become an important technology in the world today and if humanity can develop it right, it would be the last invention needed as humans, because AI can do anything we want,’’ said Inuwa.

He disclosed more benefits available in AI, stating that if applied to its fullest there would be algorithms creating algorithms and robots working for humans. With the application of AI in biology, it will accelerate a lot of innovation. 

“There is the projection about a bio 3D printing human organ, likewise, there is conversation about growing plant and meat from stem cells. When there is a convergence of AI with biology, all these are possible”, he asserts.

“Today, we are building the technology here in Nigeria, for Africa. If we exempt our local contents from the AI we are building, our culture and values would be forgotten,” he added. 

Therefore, according to Inuwa, Nigeria and Africa should not be left behind in this fourth industrial revolutions (4IR). With emerging technologies, what is paramount is the talent and the people, which Nigeria has in abundance given our teeming youthful population.

“Technology cannot work without the people. It is like a ying and yang, the technology, and the people”, he affirmed.

Speaking further, he added that there is need to build and invest in digital literacy and talent in general and NITDA is happy to partner with UNICCON Group to make this a reality. 

He applauded the UNICCON Group for the convergence of the different sectors of emerging technology in their company. “This is revolutionary and a game changer to the future which is arriving faster than we expected. Thank you for taking up the challenge and delivering in a significant milestone”, he concluded.

Dr. Chuks Ekweme in his opening speech said that Omeife App is tailored to meet the Nigerian and African experience to users. “The App can be used both by the literate and the illiterate. We are working on making Nigeria become one of the superpowers in the world”. 

He said, Omeife is built with the capacity to provide an interactive, personalised experience for anybody acquiring the digital literacy skills.

This decision aims to establish a clear distinction between the functions of both government agencies and preserve the telecommunications sector’s pivotal contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, confirmed this development during the Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF) held in Lagos. Danbatta revealed that the NCC had completed the initial and secondary drafts of the NCC Act 2003 review, which have been submitted to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for approval. The final draft is expected to be released shortly.

He stated, “The Nigerian Communication Act is currently being reviewed. The first and second draft has been concluded and the final draft will soon be released. The second draft has been made available to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. We had to review the NCC Act to ensure that all areas of conflicts and overlaps can be addressed so that NITDA and NCC can co-exist without friction of roles.”

The NCC Act 2003, originally signed into law by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on July 8, 2003, empowers the NCC as a regulator responsible for establishing a regulatory framework for the Nigerian communications industry and promoting the implementation of national telecommunications policy.

The need for the NCC Act’s revision arises from the proposed NITDA Bill submitted to the ninth Assembly, which aims to transform NITDA from a developmental agency into a regulatory agency. The bill seeks to empower NITDA to administer, implement, and regulate Information Technology Systems and Practice in Nigeria, potentially creating regulatory conflicts in a sector already governed by NCC.

Industry stakeholders voiced strong opposition to the NITDA Bill, expressing concerns that it would disrupt the telecoms sector’s growth. They argued that their inputs and interests were not adequately considered during the bill’s drafting.

Despite passing through the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, the NITDA Bill did not receive President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature before his departure from office in May 2023. Industry leaders, including Prof. Adesina Sodiya and Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), called for a swift review of the NCC Act to define NCC’s regulatory role more clearly and protect the telecoms sector’s contributions to the national economy.

This initiative is part of NITDA’s commitment to nurturing AI talent in Nigeria and contributing to the development of a robust AI ecosystem in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Agency specified that this training is intended for Cohort 11 AI developers.

“The free monthly programme at National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Abuja, aligns with NITDA’s goal to train one million Nigerian developers,” the statement read.

Benefits

The AI developers training program offers numerous benefits to participants, including:

• Skill Enhancement: Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their artificial intelligence skills and knowledge.
• Free Training: The program is entirely free, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals.
• Alignment with NITDA’s Goals: This initiative aligns with NITDA’s ambitious goal of training one million Nigerian developers, contributing to the nation’s technological advancement.
• Two Skill Levels: The program caters to both beginners and intermediate-level AI enthusiasts, ensuring that individuals of varying skill levels can benefit.
• Career Opportunities: Graduates of this program will be better equipped to pursue careers in AI development and related fields.

Eligibility

The AI developers training program is open to a diverse group of individuals, including:

• Nigerian Youths: This includes those aged 15 and older, encompassing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
• Students and Graduates: Both students and graduates who have a passion for AI and technology are eligible to apply.
• Technology Enthusiasts: Individuals with a strong interest in artificial intelligence are encouraged to participate.
• Residence in FCT, Abuja: Applicants should either reside in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, or make logistical arrangements to attend the training sessions.

How to Apply

To apply for the NITDA AI developers training program, follow these steps based on your skill level:

Beginner Level: If you are new to AI and wish to start your journey, you can register for the program here.

Intermediate Level: For those with some prior AI experience and skills, the intermediary level application can be submitted here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of NITDA’s initiative to empower AI developers and shape the future of technology in Nigeria. Join the AI developers training program and embark on a journey towards mastering artificial intelligence.

Mr. Balogun who led other Google executives to the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters, Abuja, disclosed that the familiarisation visit to NITDA has become imperative because it would restate Google West Africa’s commitments to deepening the partnership.

He said, “I have been at Google for four years, recently now taking over the West Africa Director lead role. And our coming here today is to identify the critical steps that we need to take to jointly actualise the Nigerian President’s initiative to drive 1 million digital jobs because Google cannot thrive in isolation.” 

Mr. Balogun revealed that Google have been working on Africa Internet for over eight years. According to him, “In 2015, during our premier developer event, we announced that Google has shifted from being a mobile first company to an AI first company. So, we were quite amused with all the chat GPT conversations.”

While disclosing that Google is currently working on a document that would detail the impact of Artificial Intelligence in Africa which will be launched in University of Johannesburg, South Africa in September, the Director is inviting the NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, to deliver keynote address at the event. 

In his remarks, the NITDA boss maintained that he believes that they can create I million digital jobs if they work together to craft a strategy on how to achieve the target. 

According to Inuwa, NITDA is positioning Nigeria for accelerated job creation in a digital economy. Saying, “We are looking at the Nigeria Startup Act, which identifies some initiatives such as the talent development that can enable job creation. Nigeria can position itself to bridge the gap because we have youthful population,” he said.

He noted that the government’s responsibility in the ecosystem is to intervene in terms of policies, regulations, and infrastructure where needed, the objectives of any regulation are to help create market, democratize access to services, protect consumers, enhance service delivery, and enable innovation. 

“Basically, Regulation can be rule based and non-rule based. Non-rule based is what we advocated for. To allow the ecosystem players to self-regulate themselves, put the standard in place, and we can help to ensure new entrance comply to that standard because what we are after is to have a responsible and ethical views of platforms around the world,” he said.

Inuwa further disclosed that NITDA is changing people’s mindset about the perspective on government approach to regulation and policy, adding that the Agency is co-creating with the ecosystem in anything it does. 

He maintained that Nigeria could position itself to bridge the gap in digital transformation because it has a youthful population. “In 2018, digitally transformed enterprise contributed 18.5% global GDP. It was projected to reach 53.3% this year, that is over 50% of the global GDP. The generative AI is going to add about 7 trillion US dollars,” he said.

While acknowledging that NITDA’s partnership with Google Developers Group has resulted in the training of 150,000 youths in Nigeria, Inuwa noted that, “Presently we have an initiative running here in Abuja at our National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and we want to expand same programme to other states in collaboration with the GDG as well. We are looking at how we can build technology development zones in partnership with universities to promote smart manufacturing.” 

“Similarly, we are also looking at how to establish the seed investment fund to all the startups to attract investment. Last year, over 626 billion was invested but only 3.5% came to Africa and if you look at our population, we can do more than that; these are some of the ideas we need the stakeholders like you to come work with us on,” he concluded.