NITDA DG: Nigeria Must Build Local AI Infrastructure to Strengthen Digital Sovereignty

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has stressed the need for Nigeria to develop indigenous Artificial Intelligence infrastructure and services to strengthen the country’s capacity to build and manage AI technologies locally.

Abdullahi made the position known as NITDA highlighted the strategic collaboration with Canadian technology companies aimed at supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation and expanding its technology footprint globally.

According to the NITDA DG, the collaboration is built around three key areas, including expanding financial inclusion, deploying local AI infrastructure and building a stronger digital economy.

The agency said the AI component would focus on establishing indigenous infrastructure and services that would enable Nigeria to develop, manage and benefit from AI technologies within the country.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s digital capacity by supporting the development of local expertise and technological solutions while reducing dependence on foreign infrastructure.

Abdullahi said stronger digital capabilities would contribute to long-term economic growth by creating opportunities for innovation, improving access to digital services and expanding Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.

The NITDA initiative, according to the agency, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of growing Nigeria into a $1tn economy by 2030, with innovation, digital technology and human capital development identified as key drivers.