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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said it remains committed to supporting the startup ecosystem in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at fast-tracking diversification through industrialization and digitization.
The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said the agency will continue to invest in startups in Nigeria, particularly in advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) research. He spoke at the recent Innovate Nigeria 2024 Conference & Expo in Lagos.
Abdullahi who was represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, commended Nova Tech for organizing the conference, stressing its relevance amidst the rapid growth of AI’s transformative capabilities worldwide.
Highlighting the global trend of governments investing significantly in AI research, He emphasized its pivotal role in driving innovation and economic growth. He pointed out that the Nigerian government is also actively contributing to AI research through various initiatives, including direct investment in research and development, establishment of collaborative ecosystems, formulation of policies and regulations, fostering international partnerships, and supporting education and workforce development.
In alignment with the government’s 8-point agenda, particularly the 7th agenda focusing on accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, and innovation, he underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship to flourish. He emphasized that NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan aim to elevate Nigeria’s AI research ranking and promote digital literacy and talent development.
Inuwa highlighted the role of NITDA’s National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in supporting startups, providing guidance, and nurturing ideas from conception to impact and commercialization.
