NITDA Calls For Wider AI Access, Responsible Governance In Nigeria

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for wider access to artificial intelligence and stronger governance measures as Nigeria prepares for increased integration of AI into different sectors of the economy.

The agency made the call during an X Space hosted through its official X handle on Monday, September 28, 2026, with the theme, “Building Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure for the AI Era.”

The session featured speakers and participants from different fields who discussed the infrastructure, policies and digital skills required to prepare Nigerians for the growing adoption of artificial intelligence.

Speaking during the session, Mr. Emmanuel, Founder of Emo Life, called for the decentralisation of artificial intelligence to ensure that people in rural communities also benefit from the technology.

“AI should be decentralized to enable people in rural communities benefit from it,” Emmanuel said.

He stressed that AI could be applied across virtually all sectors of the economy but noted that many people in rural communities have limited knowledge of the ongoing AI revolution.

According to Emmanuel, decentralising access to AI would help bridge the digital divide and create opportunities for people outside major urban centres to benefit from emerging technologies.

Also speaking, Mr. Muhammad Nazif emphasised the need for Nigeria to develop a responsible AI safety policy and governance framework that reflects the country’s local ethics and values.

Nazif noted that appropriate governance would be important in ensuring that AI is developed and deployed responsibly as its use continues to expand.

The session also highlighted the need to establish AI clubs in secondary schools and incorporate digital literacy into the national curriculum to equip young Nigerians with the knowledge required for the AI-driven future.

Participants further advocated stronger collaboration between NITDA and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to expand high-speed connectivity across the country.

They identified cybersecurity, data science, computer engineering and cloud computing among the key digital skills that should be promoted to enable Nigerians to use AI tools effectively and efficiently.