The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has declared that Nigeria is deliberately positioning itself as a creator of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions rather than remaining a passive consumer of technologies developed elsewhere, as it intensifies efforts to build a globally competitive AI ecosystem.
Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, disclosed this in Abuja during the official launch of the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC)-INNOPOWER Free MSMEs AI Master Trainer Programme, held at the United Nations House.
Represented by the Director of Digital Development Services, Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, the DG said Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy is designed to strengthen AI infrastructure, nurture a world-class innovation ecosystem, accelerate AI adoption across key sectors, promote responsible and trustworthy AI development, and establish a governance framework that ensures AI serves humanity responsibly.
He said the country’s AI agenda is anchored on a deliberate national vision. “Nigeria has made a deliberate choice. Rather than remain a passive consumer of AI built elsewhere, we are building the foundations to become an active contributor to the global AI ecosystem,” he stated.
The NITDA boss noted that artificial intelligence has evolved from an emerging technology into a defining force that is reshaping economies, transforming industries and redefining how governments, businesses and societies create value.
According to him, the rapid advancement of AI presents Nigeria with a unique opportunity to emerge as a producer of innovative digital solutions while unlocking new economic opportunities.
He explained that achieving this vision requires sustained investment in digital infrastructure, indigenous AI capabilities and human capital development.
To drive the agenda, he highlighted flagship initiatives including the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), the Nigeria AI Collective, the N-ATLAS multilingual large language model, the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, all of which are aimed at preparing Nigerians for the opportunities of the digital economy.
Speaking on the significance of the ESBC-INNOPOWER Free MSMEs AI Master Trainer Programme, Inuwa described the initiative as a timely intervention that reflects a shared commitment to equipping Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the knowledge and practical skills needed to compete in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
He stressed that small businesses, which form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, stand to benefit immensely from AI through enhanced productivity, business automation and expanded market opportunities.
According to him, Africa’s success in the AI era will depend less on the consumption of technology and more on investments in people, institutions and innovation ecosystems.
“The countries that lead the AI economy will not be those that consume the most AI solutions, but those that cultivate talent, build infrastructure, and create ecosystems where innovation can flourish responsibly,” he said.
Inuwa commended INNOPOWER and the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition for convening stakeholders from government, industry and development organisations to advance responsible AI adoption across the region.
He said the initiative would deepen collaboration, strengthen entrepreneurial capacity and accelerate digital transformation among MSMEs in Nigeria and across ECOWAS member states.
He also emphasised the importance of developing sovereign digital infrastructure, preserving indigenous languages within AI systems and expanding digital literacy to ensure that every Nigerian can meaningfully participate in the country’s digital transformation.
Looking ahead, the NITDA Director General said Africa is at a pivotal point in its technological evolution and must seize the opportunity to become a builder of AI technologies rather than merely a consumer.
He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to working with government, academia, industry and development partners to build a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive AI ecosystem.
“History shows that every technological revolution reshapes the global balance of power. The nations that prosper are not always those with the greatest resources, but those with the foresight to invest in their people and build ecosystems that turn ideas into prosperity,” he concluded.
Earlier, Regional President of the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition, Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, described the MSME AI Master Trainer Programme as a strategic investment in Africa’s human capital.
He said the initiative is designed to equip trainers with practical AI skills that will empower entrepreneurs, strengthen MSMEs and drive sustainable industrial development across the region.
Yerima added that the programme would expand economic opportunities, create quality jobs and improve Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
He called for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, financial institutions, academia and the private sector to build an AI-powered economy capable of delivering inclusive and sustainable growth.