*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency opines collaboration can harness the vast opportunities Information Technology offers, including the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging techs to strengthen Nigeria’s security sector

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

With an active collaboration between Nigeria’s security industry and the startup ecosystem, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has stressed the potential for increased efficiency and effectiveness in the West African country’s security sector.

NITDA stated Inuwa said this while hosting Alhaji A. S. Adeleke, Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), represented by Deputy Commandant D. E. Egbeji.

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency disclosed the visit included Faculty members and participants in the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC 17).

The training programme with the theme: “Artificial Intelligence, Security, and Emerging Economies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects,” held at the eGovernment Training Centre (eGTC), Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Kubwa, Abuja, FCT.

How AI, IoTs, other new technologies can strengthen security industry: Inuwa

The Director-General of NITDA also highlighted the unique approaches of the security and IT sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Inuwa particularly enphasised that collaboration could harness the vast opportunities offered by IT, including the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies to strengthen the security sector.

He further stated: “The way you do things in Security is different from the way we do things in the Information Technology (IT) sector but if we can work together, we can make things better by utilitising the numerous opportunities that IT offers leverage AI, IoT and Emerging technologies in strengthening the security sector.鈥�

As regards AI in particular, Inuwa asserted that it is a driving force globally, as he dismissed common misconceptions by emphasising its role in simplifying tasks, providing quick answers, and offering solutions.

He, therefore, categorised AI into three types based on capability: Narrow Intelligence, General AI, and Deep Learning AI.

The NITDA Chief also explained Narrow Intelligence involves machines outperforming humans in specific tasks, General AI can learn and apply knowledge, and Deep Learning AI uses neural networks, akin to the human brain.

Further on AI functionality, he delineated four categories: Reactive Machines, Limited Memory, Theory of Mind, and Self-Awareness. Reactive Machines operate solely on given data, lacking the ability to remember past information; Limited Memory can store and utilise historical data for predictive analysis, while Theory of Mind involves systems capable of understanding human behaviour.

The Director-General as well stressed that “NITDA actively supports AI growth in Nigeria” through initiatives, such as the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and the ongoing development of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy.

Expressing openness to strategic stakeholders’ collaborations, Inuwa highlighted that such partnerships align with the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), particularly the pillar focused on forging strategic partnerships and collaborations in the country’s digital ecosystem

According to him, synergistic relationships would amplify Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence.

He averred “we are open to strategic collaboration as it aligns with a pillar of the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) which is to Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration. And synergistic relationships will amplify Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence.”

NISS ready to share nuggets from NITDA’s experience: Commandant

Speaking during the visit to NITDA, NISS Commandant Adeleke expressed the Institute’s intent to learn from the IT sector regulator’s experience by seeking valuable insights to inform an executive brief for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

This brief aims to contribute to policy formulation and implementation, said he.

Adeleke also stated: “We are here to share from your experience and to gather all we can from the beginning of the course, because at the end of the course we are expected to make an executive brief to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR that will aid policy formulation and implementation.”

In his earlier comments, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy at NITDA, had offered a comprehensive overview, detailing the evolutionary journey of NITDA from its inception to the present day.

Onumo x-rayed the agency’s historical milestones, charting its growth, development, and transformative initiatives over the years.

The Director also underscored the role NITDA has played in shaping and steering the trajectory of information technology and development in Nigeria, while showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation, digital literacy, and technological advancement of the West African country.

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