The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called on business leaders to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a collaborative partner in driving innovation and economic growth, rather than viewing it as a threat to human jobs.
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, who stated this during a high-level panel session titled: “Builders of the New Nigeria – Stories of Scale, Grit, and Innovation,” at the BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeria, held in Lagos State, faulted the conventional notion of AI as merely an automation tool, and encouraged CEOs and business leaders to view AI as a thought partner and a strategic ally in generating innovative ideas, discovering new business models, and creating competitive advantages in a rapidly evolving global economy.
“I see Artificial Intelligence not just as a tool, but as a thought partner. I urge business leaders to integrate AI into their operations not as a replacement for human input, but as a collaborator that can unlock new levels of productivity and creativity.
NITDA DG said that while AI could outperform humans in certain tasks, its primary function should not be seen as replacing human workers. Instead, it is poised to take over specific processes and skills currently relied upon to accomplish routine tasks.
This shift, according to him, requires business leaders to reposition themselves at the centre of this technological evolution.
“The key is to position yourself at the centre of the collaboration. AI can outperform humans in many tasks, but it will not replace you or me. What AI will replace are the skills and processes we rely on today to perform our work,” he stated.
Inuwa emphasised the need for CEOs and decision-makers to proactively redefine their roles in an AI-driven world by evolving their capabilities to work effectively alongside intelligent systems.
He highlighted the importance of learning how to collaborate with AI, rather than competing against it, as the surest way to remain relevant and successful in the digital age.
Inuwa, however, cautioned that AI systems must be approached with vigilance, warning business leaders not to assume AI is always accurate or ethical by default, stating that AI should always be treated as the “worst version” of itself until it proves otherwise.
“Nigeria is setting a precedent for balancing technological innovation with societal responsibility, enabling businesses to thrive while ensuring that new technologies benefit the broader society.
“Our aim is to create an environment where businesses can innovate responsibly, while ensuring society as a whole benefits from these new technologies,” he stated.
