Nigeria reaffirms commitment to advancing AI research

Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to advancing research in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

According to a statement by the agency’s Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, the director-general made these remarks during the Innovate Nigeria 2024 Conference and Expo in Lagos. He addressed the role of the government in advancing AI research and its potential implications for Nigeria’s economic future.

He emphasized that this initiative aligns with efforts to implement President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is focused on accelerating diversification through industrialization and digitization.

Represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, the Director of the Corporate Planning and Strategy Department at the agency, Inuwa assured attendees of the government’s dedication to revitalizing the innovation ecosystem. This commitment involves consistently allocating funds, fostering startups, and implementing regulatory measures that will bolster AI research and foster innovation in Nigeria.

He highlighted global trends where governments, such as those of the U.S. and China, have allocated substantial funds for AI research. According to him, these countries recognize the potential of AI in driving innovation and fostering economic growth.

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“There is a positive correlation between government investment and advancements in AI, and it is projected to have market value which is surpassing 190 billion dollars by 2025.

“The government has done direct investment in research and development, establishment of collaborative ecosystems, formulation of policies and regulations, fostering international collaboration and supporting education and workforce development,’’ Inuwa said.

He stated that these contributions directly align with the government’s eight-point agenda, underscoring the importance of establishing an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship to flourish.

“The seventh agenda which is Accelerating Diversification through Industrialisation, Digitisation, Creative Arts, Manufacturing and Innovation resonates with the specific role of government in AI research. This lays the democratisation of digital service to create more economic value anchors,” he said.

According to Inuwa, the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) aim to elevate the country’s AI research ranking, promote digital literacy, and foster talent development.

He emphasized the importance of establishing a collaborative framework to fund research and highlighted the government’s endeavours in nurturing a dynamic innovation ecosystem.