Nigeria’s NITDA DG Champions Artificial Intelligence as Key to $1 Trillion Economy Vision

Director-General of NITDA, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa

By Dr. Michael Omoruyi  | iNewsAfrica Tech Desk | August 30, 2025

Abuja, Nigeria – The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Kashifu Inuwa, has urged Nigeria to harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate economic growth and position the nation as a global digital leader.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual Economic Confidential Public Lecture and Book Launch in Abuja, Dr. Inuwa highlighted that AI has the potential to boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to 20%, primarily by automating tasks, enhancing productivity, and driving innovation across critical sectors.

“AI can automate 30% of economic tasks, freeing up our people for more productive work. But those who fail to upskill risk being left behind. Nigeria must act now to seize the opportunity,” he said.

Driving Nigeria Toward a $1 Trillion Economy

Dr. Inuwa linked the AI agenda to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Vision of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030. He stressed that digital transformation, powered by AI, is central to achieving that ambitious target.

Key Initiatives and Achievements

The NITDA boss outlined several initiatives already underway:

• National AI Strategy to guide adoption and innovation.

• Restructuring of the National Centre for AI and Robotics.

• Support for over 45 AI startups through the Nigeria AI Research Scheme.

• Nationwide digital literacy drive that has trained more than 300,000 Nigerians.

• The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, designed to equip young Nigerians with skills for over 2 million future digital jobs.

Youth, Connectivity, and Cybersecurity

With Nigeria’s median age of 17 and over 130 million internet users, Dr. Inuwa underscored that the country’s demographic advantage must be leveraged for innovation. He, however, cautioned that cybersecurity must remain a top priority to safeguard digital systems even as mobile technology empowers millions.

A Call for Inclusive Innovation

Dr. Inuwa urged the private sector, academia, and government agencies to align efforts in building a robust AI ecosystem. He emphasized that inclusive innovation—ensuring women, rural communities, and underserved groups are part of the digital revolution—is essential for broad-based economic growth.

As Nigeria positions itself for a digital future, the NITDA DG reaffirmed that artificial intelligence is not just a technological tool but a strategic economic enabler, capable of lifting millions out of poverty and putting the nation on a path to prosperity.