*The National Information Technology Development Agency spearheads a transformative drive to empower Nigerian women in Artificial Intelligence and digital economy through its strategic roadmap targeting least 40 percent programmes at benefiting women and underserved groups in the economy

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

As part of efforts at evolving an inclusive digital future, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is spearheading a transformative drive to empower Nigerian women in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital economy.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, stated this commitment while speaking at the “Innovate Her 25” conference, the 10th National Conference and 11th Annual Meeting of Nigerian Women in Information Technology (IT).

Speaking at the event with the theme, “Women in AI: Unlocking Resilience, Fostering Innovation and Leadership”, Inuwa emphasised that true innovation blossoms not in isolation, but through synergistic partnerships and collective endeavor 鈥� principles deeply embedded in NITDA’s operational ethos.

Highlighting Nigeria鈥檚 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, Inuwa, represented on the occasion by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships at NITDA, explained that inclusivity is embedded as a core objective.

He said: 鈥淥ur strategic roadmap mandates that at least 40% of our programmes directly benefit women and underserved groups. We have also developed a Gender Inclusion Strategy to guide interventions in areas such as training and infrastructure.”

In underscoring Nigeria’s leadership in the digital space, Inuwa excitingly announced that NITDA would host a Leadership Summit on AI September 2025.

The agency stated the landmark event in the country would attract stakeholders from across Africa, fostering a collaborative environment to forge a unified AI vision for the continent.

In line with the focus of the conference on empowering women in technology, the NITDA Chief Executive detailed the agency’s diverse capacity-building initiatives spanning AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

He further noted: “We work with partners such as the Renew Hope Initiative to train thousands of women across Nigeria鈥檚 six geopolitical zones.”

Inuwa highlighted the agency’s broad reach, assuring the stakeholders that the IT regulator is ready to collaborate with organisations like the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIT) to actively encouraging proposals for bespoke programmes that cater to specific community needs.

Inuwa, while emphasising a results-oriented methodology, said: “We focus on targeted training with measurable outcomes, rather than generic approaches.”

On Digital Literacy for All Initiative

Inuwa spotlighted NITDA鈥檚 鈥淒igital Literacy for All Initiative鈥� as a programme that seeks to equip 70 percent of Nigerians with digital literacy by 2027. Through strategic partnerships with the NYSC and the integration of digital literacy into national school curricula, the agency plans to train over 30 million Nigerians 鈥� with a dedicated focus on underserved communities and public servants.

Addressing critical concerns surrounding ethical AI in the digital environment, Inuwa emphasised the importance of developing indigenous datasets and large language models reflective of Nigeria鈥檚 unique realities.

He stated: 鈥淲e are working closely with stakeholders to build local datasets that safeguard Nigerians鈥� digital rights and ensure ethical AI use.”

Collaboration for mentoring programmes, initiatives

NITDA further assured it is championing mentorship for women in technology through impactful initiatives such as Women Innovate in the country.

The agency, therefore, noted it warmly welcomes collaboration with NIWIT to design structured mentorship programmes and is open to formalising such partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

Inuwa asserted: “NITDA is committed to fostering inclusive economic growth through innovation. Partnership and collaboration remain the way forward.”

The session concluded with a resounding call to action.

The forum also urged women-focused organisations to leverage NITDA鈥檚 open-door policy and unite in advancing digital inclusion across Nigeria.

The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is inclusive, and women are at its forefront, added NITDA.

Kindly Share This Story