Director-General/CEO of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi
Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Kashifu Inuwa, has declared that leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the digital economy could propel Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by up to 20%.
Speaking at the 3rd Economic Confidential Lecture in Abuja on Wednesday, Inuwa emphasized AI’s critical role, stating, “Digital economy has the potential to drive 20 per cent GDP growth, if strategically harnessed. Those who fail to upskill will be replaced”.
He warned that Nigeria cannot afford to miss the fourth industrial revolution, having lagged in the previous three, and highlighted ongoing efforts with the Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into the national curriculum and with the Head of Service to enhance civil service training.
Inuwa also underscored the importance of cybersecurity, noting, “Market women can now connect with customers through mobile technology. But as we connect, we must also protect, and cybersecurity is a critical pillar”.
President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, represented by Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon, echoed the need for inclusive and innovative participation in the global digital economy.
“Nations that fail to embrace the digital revolution risk being left behind, while those that seize the opportunity can leapfrog barriers to growth and development,” Neliaku said.
He urged collaboration among government, private sectors, and academia to position Nigeria as a creator and exporter of digital solutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Neliaku also praised the launch of three publications— _Diplomacy and Digital Innovation: Youths’ Insights, _Healing Nigeria: A Chronicle of Health Reform and Hope_, and _Renewed Hope in Central Banking_—describing them as “tools for shaping informed conversations and evidence-based decision-making”.
Other experts at the event advocated for AI adoption to diversify Nigeria’s economy and drive development, emphasizing its role in ensuring the nation’s competitiveness in the fourth industrial revolution.
NAN
