NITDA DG Reaffirms FG Commitment to Responsible and Inclusive AI

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to building a responsible, inclusive, and sovereign artificial intelligence ecosystem to enable Nigeria to transition from being a passive consumer of AI technologies to an architect and builder of indigenous AI systems.

This was said by the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, while delivering a virtual address at the InnovateAI Conference held in Lagos.

The conference brought together policymakers, technology leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and its role in driving Nigeria’s digital economy and national development agenda.

Inuwa outlined Nigeria’s ambition to transition from being a consumer of artificial intelligence technologies to becoming a builder and owner of AI systems that reflect national values and priorities, in line with the National AI Strategy.

“Our goal is not just to use AI, but to architect and build our own AI systems in Nigeria,” he said, stressing that the country must take ownership of its AI future.

He noted that Nigeria’s approach to artificial intelligence extends beyond innovation to include governance, infrastructure, data sovereignty, and policy evolution.

According to him, “Responsible AI is never a finished job; it is an iterative journey. Our policies must evolve as the technology evolves, and we must avoid frozen laws by adopting living policies that adapt over time.”

He cited the implementation of the Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill as a key mechanism for generating insights that will help refine AI regulations and governance frameworks.

Inuwa also highlighted the challenge of data representation in global AI systems, noting that most models are trained on non-African datasets, which often results in bias against local dialects, cultures, and demographics.

“If a model shows bias against a local dialect or demographic, we cannot just patch it. We must reinvest in infrastructure to retrain it with inclusive and representative local datasets,” he stated.

He added that building national AI infrastructure is critical to achieving data sovereignty and ensuring that Nigeria is not merely an end user of foreign AI systems.

He further called for strategic partnerships with global technology companies and hyperscalers to build AI infrastructure in Nigeria while aligning with local values and national priorities.

“The world today is a global village. We need to work with global players, but they must understand our local nuances and help us build the infrastructure to retrain and develop AI models that reflect our context,” he said.

The NITDA Director General explained that adopting a comprehensive AI lifecycle approach, from responsible data collection and governance to deployment and continuous feedback, will enable Nigeria to move from reacting to AI developments to proactively designing indigenous AI systems.

“Without understanding how AI models are trained, how decisions are made, and how models are retrained, it will be difficult to build a responsible and trustworthy AI system,” he warned.

He reaffirmed that the Federal Government is intentional about promoting responsible AI and is working closely with the technology ecosystem to co-design national AI guardrails. He described platforms such as the InnovateAI Conference and other national AI dialogues as critical to shaping Nigeria’s AI future.

FROM BUREAUCRACY TO DIGITAL EXCELLENCE: NITDA DG CHARGES CROSS RIVER CIVIL SERVANTS ON DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

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The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has called for a bold transformation of Nigeria’s public service from traditional bureaucracy to digital excellence, as he participated in the official flag-off of the Civil Service Technology Empowerment for Capacity and High Performance (CIVTECH) Programme in Cross River State.

The programme, hosted by the Cross River State Government and organised by the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRS MEDA), is designed to equip 2,000 civil servants with critical digital skills required to drive efficient and technology-enabled service delivery.

In his keynote address titled “From Bureaucracy to Digital Excellence: Leveraging Technology for a High-Performing Public Service,” the NITDA DG who was represented by the Director of the Stakeholders Management and Partnership department, Dr Aristotle Onumo, emphasised that the future of governance depends on the ability of public institutions to embrace digital transformation.

“For decades, the public service has been the engine room of national development but in an era defined by speed, data, and innovation, traditional bureaucratic processes are no longer sufficient to meet the expectations of citizens and businesses,” he stated.

He noted that citizens today expect government services to reflect the efficiency and convenience they experience in digital banking, e-commerce, and mobile platforms.

Highlighting the economic imperative of digitalisation, the DG pointed out that Nigeria’s ICT sector contributed nearly 20 percent to the nation’s real GDP in 2024, underscoring the growing role of technology as a driver of economic growth and competitiveness.

While noting that digital transformation is no longer just a technology agenda, he said, “It is an economic agenda, it is a governance agenda, and it is a national competitiveness agenda.”

According to him, the cost of maintaining outdated bureaucratic systems includes delayed decision-making, inefficiencies, limited transparency, and declining public trust. However, he emphasised that digital excellence provides a pathway to faster service delivery, improved accountability, increased productivity, and enhanced citizen satisfaction.

“This is the shift from paperwork to performance, from process-driven governance to outcome-driven governance,” he added.

Inuwa further emphasised that while infrastructure and systems are important, people remain central to institutional transformation.

“Technology alone does not transform institutions. People do, and digital excellence requires public servants who are digitally skilled, innovation-driven, solution-oriented, performance-focused, and citizen-centric,” he asserted.

Assuring participants that technology is not designed to replace public servants but to empower them, he said, “Technology frees you from repetitive administrative tasks so you can focus on strategic thinking, policy innovation, and national development.”

Outlining NITDA’s strategic priorities, he referenced ongoing efforts to promote digital literacy and skills development, strengthen digital public infrastructure, automate government processes, enhance cybersecurity and data protection, and encourage the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence across public institutions.

He commended Cross River State for embracing reform and positioning itself at the forefront of sub-national digital transformation, noting that initiatives like CIVTECH align with the Federal Government’s broader vision of building an efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric public service.

“The future of governance is digital. Together, we can transform governance. Together, we can transform Nigeria. And together, we can build a public service worthy of the digital age,” he concluded.

Declaring the flag-ff open, the state’s Head of Service, Mr Orok Okon, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the capacity of its workforce. He emphasised that, in an era defined by rapid technological advancement, public institutions must equip their personnel with the skills and competencies necessary to deliver efficient, technology-enabled services.

According to him, investing in human capital is essential not only for improving internal administrative processes but also for ensuring that citizens receive timely, transparent and high-quality service across all sectors.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General of CRS MEDA, Mr Great Ogban, expressed appreciation to the Governor and the Head of Service of the state for their consistent commitment to technology-driven workforce development.

He encouraged all shortlisted trainees to show full dedication, emphasising that their participation aligns with the state’s goal of transitioning toward a fully paperless civil service.

He expressed strong optimism about the state’s growing partnership with NITDA, noting that such collaboration will play a pivotal role in accelerating the digital transformation of Cross River State.

According to him, the joint efforts between the state government and NITDA will not only enhance the quality of digital training provided to civil servants, but also to help fast-track the transition toward a more efficient and technology-driven civil service.

Tech for the Home Front: NITDA Partners HORSA to Bridge Digital Gap for Lawmakers’ Spouses

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In a strategic move to broaden Nigeria’s digital frontier, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the House of Representatives Spouses Association (HORSA), organised a specialised two‑day digital literacy and capacity‑building workshop for the spouses of members of the House of Representatives.

The initiative, themed “Empowering Women for a Digital Future: Leadership, Wellbeing, and Opportunity,” is designed to equip spouses of lawmakers with the tools needed to navigate the modern digital economy and the unique demands of public life.

Moving beyond basic computer literacy, the workshop offers a comprehensive suite of skills, including financial and digital literacy—focused on using digital tools for business growth and personal finance management; cybersecurity and digital wellbeing—promoting online safety, data protection, and mental health resilience; and economic empowerment—unlocking opportunities in remote work, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), and digital entrepreneurship.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, said the workshop underscores the crucial role spouses play in supporting public office holders. He described spouses as trusted advisers whose understanding of legislative responsibilities helps lawmakers perform more effectively.

He noted that the demanding nature of legislative work often places strain on family life, adding that empowering spouses with digital and leadership skills would strengthen their capacity to provide informed support and constructive feedback to their partners in public service. He urged participants to take full advantage of the training, stressing that continuous learning is essential in an increasingly digital world.

Kalu further observed that many spouses already lead humanitarian and development initiatives in their communities, and that the skills gained from the programme would enhance communication, strategic planning, and resource mobilisation, thereby deepening their contribution to community development and national growth.

In his welcome address, the NITDA Director‑General, Kashifu Inuwa, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to build a sustainable digital economy by ensuring that no group is excluded from digital opportunities due to skills gaps. He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu places digitalisation and innovation at the heart of economic diversification and inclusive growth.

He added that NITDA is implementing a national digital literacy framework aimed at achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030, driven through three key focus areas: integrating digital skills into formal education, upskilling public servants, and expanding community‑level digital inclusion.

Inuwa described women as critical drivers of Nigeria’s digital transformation, noting that empowering spouses of lawmakers with digital skills would strengthen leadership at home and positively influence legislative processes at the National Assembly. He explained that NITDA is working with the Ministry of Education and global technology partners to train teachers nationwide, while over 54,000 public servants are currently enrolled in the Agency’s digital literacy programmes.

He also stated that through community champions deployed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, millions of Nigerians are being reached annually with basic digital skills training, stressing that national leaders must not be left behind in Nigeria’s digital transition. According to him, digitally literate spouses can play a vital role in encouraging technology‑driven governance, including ongoing efforts to digitise legislative processes.

In her goodwill message, the Leader of HORSA and wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, described the workshop as a historic milestone and the first comprehensive capacity‑building programme organised by the 10th Assembly for spouses of lawmakers. She noted that public life in a digital age now extends beyond physical spaces into online platforms, making digital and financial literacy, cyber protection, and digital wellbeing essential skills for spouses of national leaders.

Hajiya Abbas emphasised that the sessions on mental health, emotional resilience, entrepreneurship, and leadership were timely, as spouses of public office holders often shoulder invisible emotional responsibilities. According to her, empowering women economically strengthens families and communities, adding that the knowledge gained from the workshop would not only support lawmakers behind the scenes but also enable women to contribute more meaningfully to national development in the digital economy.

The event also featured goodwill messages and contributions from senior government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim; the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum, Prof. (Mrs.) Olufolake Abdulrazaq; the Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, Hon. Stanley Olajide; the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara; and the Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission, Usoro Offiong Akpabio.

Digital Literacy Push: NITDA, UBEC Reinforce Collaboration

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The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa. CCIE, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to accelerate digital literacy and expand access to technology across Nigeria’s basic education system.

Inuwa made this known while receiving the UBEC management team, led by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, during a courtesy visit to NITDA Headquarters in Abuja.

He emphasised that collaboration between NITDA and UBEC is central to achieving Nigeria’s national digital literacy targets. “For us, partnering with you will help us achieve more in terms of reaching all students in basic education,” he said, noting that while significant progress has been made in training teachers, the broader national objective must prioritise learners.

He explained that teacher capacity development efforts are already yielding positive results, with digital literacy modules now embedded in NITDA’s programmes and mandated for educators. “We have achieved a lot in training teachers, but impact must be measurable,” he stated. “We need the numbers. How many students are being reached?” he asked, reiterating NITDA’s digital literacy targets of 70 per cent by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030.

The Director General underscored the importance of leveraging data to measure impact effectively. “With this system, we should be able to know each teacher and how many people they are impacting, so that we can keep proper records and have the numbers,” he said, highlighting the role of Artificial Intelligence and data analytics in tracking progress nationwide.

On infrastructure, he disclosed that NITDA has deployed over 1,500 digital learning centres across the country under its strategic pillar on promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services. While some centres are well utilised, others remain underused. “We want every Nigerian to have access to digital infrastructure and services,” Inuwa stated, proposing that both agencies share data, map their interventions, and complement each other’s efforts to maximise impact.

Addressing the issue of internet connectivity in schools, Inuwa called for further exploration of sustainable models. “Let us explore multiple services they can use. How can we get more internet services to schools” he asked, stressing that connectivity is crucial to unlocking the full potential of digital learning facilities.

Beyond infrastructure and literacy, Inuwa offered to share NITDA’s digital transformation playbook with UBEC to support internal reforms within the Commission. “Digital transformation is a journey. It is not a one‑off initiative. At each stage, when you reach your target, you need to set a new one,” he said.

He cited NITDA’s AI transformation roadmap, which involved training all staff on Generative AI and encouraging them to develop innovative use cases. “The idea was to train them and challenge them to see how AI can enhance what they do,” he explained, adding that, “AI is not here to replace people. If a junior staff member can transition from moving files to managing an AI system, I believe anyone can embrace and use AI.”

Inuwa further explained how process re-engineering within the Agency reduced repetitive approvals and administrative bottlenecks. “A Director General is not an expert in audit, procurement, or project management. Why can’t they just work and bring the final product for approval?” he remarked, noting that streamlined workflows allow leadership to focus on strategic direction.

In her remarks, UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, described the partnership with NITDA as both strategic and essential.  She said, “For us in UBEC, our key mandate is universal access to basic education for all Nigerian children. So, it’s a big responsibility,” stressing that UBEC does not consider this mandate one it can fulfil alone. “We always seek partners that work with us—not just government agencies, but also communities and parents,” she added.

Garba highlighted the scale of the challenge, noting that over 47 million children are currently within Nigeria’s basic education system. “Whatever the number is, it’s not a small one,” she said, referencing varying statistics on out‑of‑school children. “Outside basic education, you have fewer than five million. So, this is really the biggest stake we all have.”

She emphasised that collaboration with NITDA is key to bridging access gaps and improving quality. “Partnering with NITDA is a necessity for us. We need to work together to use technology to bridge the lack of access in the country and to improve the quality of education,” she said, pointing to enrolment concerns and foundational literacy challenges in some states.

Garba also expressed appreciation for the NITDA Director General’s continued support.

Stronger State Partnerships Key to Digital Economy Goals, NITDA Tells South-South Stakeholders

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The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa has underscored the importance of deeper collaboration with state governments, saying sub-national alignment is essential to achieving Nigeria’s digital economy objectives.

He spoke online at the South-South Regional ICT Stakeholders Forum, which brought together policymakers, technology leaders, civil society organisations and ecosystem players to chart a path for accelerated digital development across the region.

The NITDA boss noted that while the Agency has made notable progress at the federal level, the real measure of success lies in how effectively national policies are translated into actionable programmes within states. According to him, digital transformation can only be sustained when states domesticate policies and establish clear implementation structures.

He referenced key frameworks, including the Nigerian Startup Act and the National Digital Literacy Framework, observing that although several states have created ICT-focused ministries and agencies, some still lack comprehensive enabling laws and structured governance mechanisms. NITDA, he assured, remains ready to provide technical guidance to states seeking to strengthen their digital ecosystems.

Digital literacy, he stressed, remains central to inclusive growth. Under the National Digital Literacy Framework, NITDA aims to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030. Working with the Federal Ministry of Education, digital skills have been embedded in school curricula, with teachers across the country undergoing capacity-building programmes to support technology-driven learning. States in the South-South were encouraged to ensure that educators in both public and private schools fully participate in the initiative.

The DG also highlighted ongoing efforts to upskill public servants. In collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, more than 54,000 federal civil servants have enrolled in structured digital skills training. Similar programmes, he said, are being considered for rollout across South-South states to enhance governance efficiency and public service delivery.

On partnerships, Inuwa pointed to collaborations with Cisco, which provide access to self-paced digital courses, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whose digital champions conduct community-based sensitisation in markets, worship centres, motor parks and among senior citizens. He urged stakeholders in the zone to strengthen coordination and co-create practical initiatives to expand digital inclusion.

In his contribution, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation in Cross River State, Dr Justin Atiang Beshel, reaffirmed the state’s resolve to leverage technology for sustainable development.

He said Cross River is prioritising broadband expansion and digital infrastructure as the backbone of e-government services, skills development, innovation and job creation. Improved connectivity, he noted, would unlock economic opportunities and enhance service delivery statewide.

Despite challenges such as limited rural connectivity and funding constraints for large-scale ICT projects, the Commissioner expressed optimism about strategic partnerships. He described collaboration with NITDA and private sector players as critical to narrowing the digital divide, boosting cybersecurity resilience and ensuring inclusive participation in the digital economy.

Beshel maintained that sustained investment and coordinated action would position Cross River as a competitive digital hub within Nigeria’s growing technology landscape.

NITDA EMPOWERS 50 ENUGU YOUTHS WITH DIGITAL TOOLS, COMMENDS GOV. MBAH

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In a significant step toward deepening digital inclusion in Enugu State, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has empowered 50 young innovators with digital tools, while commending Governor Peter Mbah for his pivotal support of the Agency’s South-East Zonal Office.

Delivering the goodwill message at the event, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, described the Governor’s commitment as instrumental to the successful launch and rapid performance of the Zonal Office, now recognised as one of NITDA’s top-performing offices nationwide.

“Inuwa noted that Enugu, historically known as Nigeria’s coal city, is undergoing a transition from natural-resource reliance to a knowledge-driven economy. ‘Enugu was once an energy capital powering industries from beneath the earth. Today, the energy driving Enugu is the creativity, talent, and determination of its young people,’” the DG’s message read.

Highlighting the role of digital technology in global economic growth, Inuwa cited projections that the digital economy could contribute up to $23 trillion to global GDP in the coming years, stressing that investment in digital skills today will shape national prosperity tomorrow.

As part of the initiative, over 900 youths registered on NITDA’s digital training platform, with 50 outstanding participants receiving digital tools to enhance their skills and foster innovation. Additionally, 250 participants were recognised for their dedication and excellence throughout the training.

“Nigeria must not only consume technology but create it. Innovation must become our currency, and digital skills must become the bridge to opportunity,” Inuwa emphasised, noting NITDA’s goal of achieving 70 percent digital literacy among Nigerians by 2027. The initiative aligns with the Agency’s broader strategy to shift the nation from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Governor Peter Mbah, in his remarks, described the festival as more than a technology conference, calling it “a reinforcement of intent” and a validation of the state’s ambition to become a credible node in Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem. Drawing a comparison between Enugu’s historic coal industry and its emerging digital future, he observed that while coal once powered industries across Europe and West Africa, the economic benefits largely left the state. Today, he argued, Enugu’s greatest resource is its people—their creativity, skills, and innovative potential.

By investing in technology, education, and digital infrastructure, Mbah envisions a future where the state harnesses local talent to generate value, turning ideas into globally competitive solutions and establishing Enugu as a hub of knowledge and digital innovation. Referencing global technology giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Tesla, he stressed that control over digital infrastructure is the key to economic leverage in the 21st century.

“Find what is broken, understand it deeply, and fix it properly,” he advised, underscoring that innovation is not about glamour but solving real problems. He highlighted Enugu’s progress in embedding artificial intelligence in security operations, digitising core government functions, and introducing Geographic Information Systems in land administration to enhance efficiency and strengthen land rights.

Earlier, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, delivered the welcoming address, highlighting the progress made since the inaugural edition of the festival. He noted that thousands of youths have been trained through digital skills initiatives, strategic partnerships have been launched—including Nigeria’s largest tech hub initiative—and technology clusters in blockchain and gaming have expanded, positioning Enugu as an emerging national tech leader.

Dr. Ezeh outlined the core objectives of ETF 2026: transforming businesses through innovative strategies aligned with the digital economy, and strengthening communities by fostering collaboration and resilience. He also revealed ongoing reforms to embed technology across governance and public services, including advanced real-time security systems, smart green schools, and modernised public service platforms.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Anna Vesterholm, Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria; Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission; alongside captains of industry and leading technology experts.

NITDA Equips Federal Character Commission with Data Tools to Drive Public Sector Reform

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In a strategic move to modernise Nigeria’s public service, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has concluded a specialised digital capacity-building programme for the Federal Character Commission (FCC). The initiative, which included the donation of 35 laptops, aims to transition the Commission from manual processes to a data-driven oversight model, ensuring more transparent and equitable representation across all government MDAs.

In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key priority area of reforming the economy for sustained and inclusive growth, as well as improving governance for effective service delivery, it forms part of NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4All) programme aimed at strengthening digital capacity across public sector institutions and building a workforce equipped to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

The training, held at the Commission’s headquarters, focused on enhancing participants’ competencies in critical areas such as data analysis and data management, skills considered essential to improving institutional performance and service delivery.

Representing the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Dr Ahmed Yusuf Tambour, explained the purpose of the intervention.

“We are here at the Federal Character Commission to carry out a training for staff of the Commission in the area of digital literacy to enhance their proficiency,” he stated.

He noted that the training was deliberately tailored to align with the Commission’s statutory responsibilities.

“We are particularly focusing on data analysis and data management, because this really aligns with the core mandate of the Commission,” he said.

The Federal Character Commission, which is responsible for monitoring and ensuring equitable representation in public service across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), relies heavily on accurate and well-managed data to carry out its oversight functions.

By strengthening staff capacity in data handling and digital tools, NITDA aims to enhance the Commission’s ability to manage nationwide datasets efficiently and transparently.

Describing the programme as impactful and well-received by participants, Inuwa said, “So it’s been a great journey. We’ve trained 35 participants here, and the training has been very well received.”

As part of the intervention, NITDA donated 35 laptops to the Commission to facilitate continuous learning and enable staff to seamlessly integrate digital tools into their daily operations.

The gesture is expected to reinforce the sustainability of the training outcomes and improve workflow efficiency within the Commission.

Expressing optimism about the long-term benefits of the initiative, Inuwa added, “We are hoping that this will help the Commission to manage the very, very important data that they collect across all MDAs.”

The intervention reflects NITDA’s sustained commitment to deepening digital inclusion within government institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda. By equipping public servants with practical digital skills and the necessary tools, the Agency is advancing institutional efficiency, strengthening data-driven decision-making, and supporting the Federal Government’s vision of a modern public service capable of driving inclusive national development and economic reform.

NDPC, 60 DPAs Collaborate on Enforcing Privacy Rights in the Use of Al

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PRESS RELEASE

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has joined sixty (60) other Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in endorsing the “Joint Statement on Al-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy.”

The Joint Statement was coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group (IEWG) of the Global Privacy Assembly. This underscores the growing concerns regarding the privacy risks posed by Artificial Intelligence tools capable of generating realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals.

The Joint Statement highlights concerns over the misuse of Al-powered tools to create non-consensual imagery, defamatory content, and other harmful materials, particularly affecting children and vulnerable groups. It calls on organisations to implement strong safeguards, ensure transparency, provide effective content removal mechanisms, and comply fully with applicable data protection laws.

The current effort forms part of a continuum of steps being taken by Nigeria to ensure the responsible use of Al. It will be recalled that the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, led the initiative for the development of the National Al Strategy. The NDPC also issued the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), which, amongst others, mandates privacy by design and privacy by default in the development and deployment of Al tools.

The National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has directed that the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) Compliance Audit Returns (CAR) by data controllers and processors of major importance will serve as a yardstick for monitoring and evaluating responsible use of Al for data processing in Nigeria.

SIGNED
BABATUNDE BAMIGBOYE ESQ. CDPRP
HEAD, LEGAL, ENFORCEMENT & REGULATIONS

NADDC Moves to Implement Import Deletion Programme for Local Component Parts

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The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), on 19th February 2026 at Lagos, convened a Stakeholders’ Sensitization meeting on the Implementation of the Import Deletion Programme for Motorcycle and Tricycle Component Parts in Nigeria.

The Director-General, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, in his address emphasized that the recommendation of parts for deletion remains a core mandate of NADDC. “The Council is mandated to periodically review parts and components used in the manufacturing of motorcycles, tricycles, bicycles, and motor vehicles, and to recommend specific components for deletion where local production capacity exists or can be developed” he said.

Mr. Osanipin noted that the industry has reached a decisive moment where critical decisions must be taken regarding components to be recommended for deletion. According to him, the gathering was a direct outcome of the Council’s strategic policy direction aimed to strengthen local production capacity.

He further stressed that while the time has come to take firm decisions on parts deletion, such decisions must be backed by deliberate and practical action. “Before recommending deletion, the Council must ensure that identified components can be produced locally in sufficient quantity and quality. Therefore, the immediate priority is to stimulate and support domestic manufacturing of those components targeted for deletion”

He added that the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) clearly acknowledges the necessity of developing local components for the automotive industry. “This policy shift is driven by the need to increase local content development, deepen industrialization, and strengthen the automotive value chain. One of the strategic thrusts of the NAIDP is industrialization and value chain development, ensuring the growth of a sustainable automotive ecosystem” he emphasized.

The representative of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Ifeoma Uzokpala, stated that the Import Deletion Programme is not just about reducing imports, but about building Nigeria’s industrial capacity to be competitive, sustainable, and future-ready. She added that BOI stands fully ready to support this ambition.

In his remarks, the Executive Director, Motorcycle Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Rev. Lambert Ekewuba stated that the mission is to prioritize local content development, promote value addition, and eliminate avoidable imports within Nigeria’s automotive sector. He emphasized that reducing dependency on imported components is essential to building a resilient and competitive domestic industry.

Also speaking,the Chairman of the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA), Mr. Bawo Omagbitse adviced that for the policy to be sensible and justified, stakeholders must create conditions that make local production more viable and competitive than importing parts. He stressed the need to address production challenges and create an enabling environment that supports manufacturers.

Similarly, the representative of the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Oluchi Odimuko reiterated that the engagement comes at a defining moment for Nigerian manufacturers within the automotive value chain, adding that the Import Deletion Programme has the potential to catalyze local content development, deepen industrial capabilities, and create sustainable jobs for Nigerians.

Together, through collaboration, strategic investment, and firm policy implementation, Nigeria’s automotive sector can reduce import dependence, stimulate industrial growth, and contribute significantly to national economic development.

#NADDC#madeinnigeriavehicles#NigeriaAutomotiveIndustry#componentpartsmanufacturers

FG Unveils Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025.

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FG Unveils Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025.

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Kashim Shettima Senator Kashim Shettima Mustapha, GCON, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, delivered the keynote address at the official launch of the Nigeria Industrial Policy (NIP) 2025, held on 17th February 2026 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. The policy marks a defining step in Nigeria’s transition toward a production-driven economy anchored on industrial expansion, value chain development and private sector-led growth.

In his keynote address, the Vice President emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a stable and enabling environment for industrial development. He noted that the success of the policy would depend on sustained collaboration between government and industry stakeholders, highlighting the importance of strengthening local value chains, expanding manufacturing capacity and creating sustainable employment opportunities. He reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to ensure policy stability, transparency, measurable outcomes and accountability, while acknowledging the critical contributions of manufacturers and industrial players to national economic growth.

In his welcome address, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh-JOE Senator John Owan Enoh, described the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 as a historic and strategic milestone in Nigeria’s economic transformation. He noted that the policy represents the fulfilment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to reposition the nation’s economy toward production-led growth. The Minister further explained that the policy was developed through extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, policymakers and technical experts was approved by the Federal Executive Council in December 2025. He emphasised that the policy is supported by a clearly defined implementation framework designed to drive measurable outcomes, strengthen industrial coordination, and enhance national competitiveness.

The Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Olu Osanipin Joseph Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, represented the Council at the official launch, alongside heads of agencies and key stakeholders across Nigeria’s industrial ecosystem. His participation at the event underscores the strategic importance of the automotive sector within Nigeria’s broader industrialisation framework, particularly in advancing local vehicle manufacturing, developing automotive component value chains, creating skilled jobs and strengthening industrial capacity.

The Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 provides a coordinated national framework to accelerate industrial growth, improve productivity and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

#NADDC#NigeriaAutomotiveIndustry#nigeriaindustrialization#madeinnigeria