The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has challenged the Nigerian Army to move beyond the traditional use of data for record-keeping and begin leveraging it as a strategic asset for intelligence gathering, operational planning and decision-making.
The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi gave the charge while delivering a keynote presentation titled, “From Data to Decision Advantage: Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of Warfare,” at a Data Management and Record-Keeping Seminar organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary in Abuja.
Abdullahi said the growing influence of technology on modern warfare makes it imperative for the military to rethink how it collects, manages and deploys data, stressing that the ability to transform raw data into actionable intelligence would increasingly determine operational effectiveness and strategic advantage.
He noted that properly managed and analysed data could provide the military with insights far beyond administrative documentation, particularly when combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.
“Globally, the defense industry is changing due to the disruptive power of technology. So we need to look beyond just using data for record-keeping to start thinking of using data management for intelligence and strategic military operations.
“Today, we can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help us collate, analyse, verify, and apply data in our military operations. We can integrate AI to help transform data into strategic and tactical information for decision-making.
“So, it is important to rethink the way we use technology to transform our institutions. To transform an organization, you need to take cognisance of the people, the process, and the proper technology to adopt,’’ he said.
The NITDA boss further urged the Nigerian Army to embrace AI as both a strategic and tactical decision-support capability, noting that AI-powered analysis could enhance the speed, precision and quality of decisions at both battlefield and command levels.
He also called for the broader integration of emerging technologies into military and national security operations, positioning digital transformation as a core component of defence preparedness rather than an optional technological upgrade.
Beyond technology adoption, Abdullahi stressed the importance of developing indigenous defence technology capabilities.
He urged the Nigerian Army to explore stronger collaboration with government institutions and Nigeria’s technology ecosystem to develop digital infrastructure and solutions tailored to the country’s security needs.
He particularly advocated the development of dedicated defence digital infrastructure and data centres, noting that the military currently, in some instances, relies on partnerships with civilian entities to develop defence technologies.
According to the DG, “The Nigerian army has to consider ways of collaborating with other government agencies and the indigenous tech innovation ecosystem to build defense technology that can help us defend our nation.’’
Abdullahi identified human capacity as another critical pillar of military digital transformation, urging the Army to develop a robust digital skills framework and continuously upgrade the technological competencies of its personnel.
He said a digitally skilled workforce would be essential for enabling the military to fully exploit the capabilities of data analytics, AI and other emerging technologies for tactical, operational and strategic purposes.
The NITDA DG announced that the Agency would provide training and capacity-building initiatives designed to equip military personnel with the digital skills required to operate effectively in an increasingly data- and AI-driven defence environment.
He reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s national security objectives through technology, innovation and digital capacity development.