Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Kashifu Inuwa, along with tech leaders and scholars, has urged Nigeria to embrace digital innovation as the next frontier of economic transformation.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 3rd Annual Economic Confidential Lecture themed “Agenda for a Digital Global Economy,” they called on all sectors of the Nigerian economy to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) for accelerated economic growth.

The Special Adviser to the President on the Economy in the Office of the Vice President, Dr Tope Fasuwa, represented by Aremu Olayinka Elijah, reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to recalibrating Nigeria’s economy.

He emphasised that rebased economic data confirms measurable progress, noting that “we are shifting from traditional models to a tech-driven future.” The service sector, he said, is proving to be a “tremendous equaliser” in the new economy.

The event also featured the launch of three ground-breaking books: ‘Renewed Hope in Central Banking’ by Rahman Oladosu; ‘Healing Nigeria: Chronicle of Health’ by Lawal Mamman and Maimuna Aliyu; and ‘Diplomacy and Digital Innovation: Youth Insight’ by Fatimah Usman.

The organiser, Yushau A. Shuaib, CEO of Nigeria Economic Confidential, noted that these works are essential tools for evidence-based policy and decision-making.
Representing the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Afolabi Olujuwon warned: “Nations that fail to embrace the digital revolution will be left behind. Nigeria must not only adopt technology — we must become exporters of it.”

In a keynote address, Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), declared that the digital economy has the potential to drive 20 per cent GDP growth, if strategically harnessed.

He emphasised that artificial intelligence is no longer optional but essential: “Those who fail to upskill will be replaced. AI can free up 20 per cent of time for higher productivity. Nations leading in AI will lead the world.”

Inuwa added that Nigeria cannot afford to miss the Fourth Industrial Revolution after losing out on the first three.

He revealed ongoing collaborations with the Ministry of Education to incorporate digital literacy into Nigeria’s educational system and national curriculum, as well as with the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to enhance civil service training.
“Market women can now connect with customers through mobile tech. But as we connect, we must also protect, and cybersecurity is a critical pillar.”