Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), underscores the need for proactive measures in harnessing AI benefits and addressing potential threats. In a pursuit of increased global recognition and domestic utilization of Nigeria’s Payments System, Abdullahi emphasizes collaboration between NITDA, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and financial institutions.
During an interview at the CBN’s 2023 Payments System Management Departmental Retreat program, Inuwa stresses the importance of collaboration to leverage emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics for enhancing digital payments. He acknowledges the significant role played by financial technology (fintech) in driving Nigeria’s performance in both the industry and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sectors.
Inuwa highlights the impact of a developmental regulation approach and enabling policies co-created by the tech ecosystem, emphasizing the need for deliberate measures to reap the benefits of AI while mitigating potential threats. He expresses NITDA’s commitment to collaborative regulation in the AI space with CBN and others.
Addressing Nigeria’s strategy regarding AI opportunities and threats, Inuwa mentions the government’s ongoing efforts to formulate an Artificial Intelligence Policy. This policy will serve as the foundation for establishing rules, and agencies like NITDA will contribute to discussions on strategies, frameworks, and guidelines for adopting and deploying artificial intelligence.
Inuwa acknowledges AI’s dual nature as both beneficial and fraught with threats and biases. Despite these challenges, he emphasizes NITDA’s regulatory approach to not stifle innovation. Inuwa also mentions various startup ecosystem-friendly policies initiated by the federal government.
Additionally, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, recently unveiled the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. This program aims to provide over one million applicants with the opportunity to undergo an introductory artificial intelligence (AI) course, contributing to the country’s efforts in nurturing technical talent in the AI field.