Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the United States to build a secure, trusted, and resilient digital ecosystem, with strong emphasis on data privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and capacity development.
The commitment was reiterated by the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, while speaking at the Nigeria Data Privacy Capacity Building Workshop organised by the United States Department of State in collaboration with the Nigerian Mission and key stakeholders in the digital space.
Inuwa described the workshop as a timely and important engagement that underscores the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States in advancing digital and technical systems. He noted that the collaboration is part of a deliberate and growing effort by both countries to jointly tackle emerging digital challenges while unlocking new opportunities.
He recalled that in April 2024, Nigeria and the U.S., under the U.S.–Nigeria Binational Commission framework, agreed to work closely in areas such as data privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, capacity building, and broader digital development. That same year, both countries co-hosted an Artificial Intelligence Conference and facilitated Nigeria’s engagement with U.S. cybersecurity firms to explore strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure.
According to Inuwa, NITDA’s focus on data privacy, AI, cybersecurity, and digital policy is driven by one core objective—building trust in the digital ecosystem. He explained that trust is essential for digital transformation, noting that its absence slows innovation and raises costs, while its presence accelerates growth and removes barriers.
He stressed that a thriving digital economy depends on safeguarding data privacy, reinforcing security frameworks, and deploying artificial intelligence responsibly. Highlighting the interdependence of these elements, he noted that AI relies on data, data requires privacy, and privacy can only be assured through strong cybersecurity measures.
The NITDA boss described the workshop as the foundation for broader engagements and deeper collaboration, especially as Nigeria positions itself as a major player in the global digital economy. He disclosed plans to expand Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Conference into an international platform this year, following the participation of the U.S. Mission in the 2025 edition.
He said the proposed international conference would create opportunities for U.S. cybersecurity firms to showcase their technologies, partner with Nigerian companies developing local solutions, and jointly strengthen the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Inuwa also reassured stakeholders of NITDA’s commitment to building supportive policies and an enabling environment where innovation can thrive. He noted that Nigeria and Africa at large represents the next frontier of the digital economy, powered by a young, tech-savvy population and a rapidly expanding market.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s reliance on U.S. technologies across public and private sectors, he emphasized that the country also has strong local talent capable of creating homegrown solutions to address national and regional challenges. He added that NITDA remains committed to working with international partners to build local capacity and promote digital self-reliance.
According to Inuwa, digital technology is no longer optional but central to economic growth and development. He stressed that fully harnessing the opportunities of the AI revolution requires robust privacy protections, sound policies, and a strong digital foundation to support rapid innovation.
He concluded by thanking the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria for their continued support, expressing confidence that the partnership will grow stronger, particularly in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, for the mutual benefit of both nations.
