Nigeria Organises Workshop on National AI Strategy
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
In a bid to accelerate diversification and embrace the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has organized a workshop aimed at co-creating a National AI Strategy.
This strategy, INCNews247 learnt aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to harness AI’s power for the betterment of Nigeria and the global community.
The four-day stakeholders’ workshop, themed “Developing the High-Level Strategy and Implementation Plan for a National AI Strategy in Nigeria,” brought together key industry players, public figures, and global experts.
Together, they delved into the profound impact of AI on societal norms and human interactions, stressing the need for inclusive participation in shaping its development trajectory.
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In his opening remarks, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, noted the importance of collective responsibility in leveraging AI for humanity’s benefit.
He urged participants to embrace a future where connectivity and innovation catalyze national and global development, transcending ideological differences for a unified vision of AI’s potential.
The workshop, attended by representatives from various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and government, reinforced AI’s potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s economy.
Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, stressed the need for a practical and implementable strategy that considers Nigeria’s cultural values, traditions, and specific needs.
Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), accentuated the workshop’s significance in leveraging AI as a catalyst for societal change.
He reiterated the importance of not only developing a strategy for AI but also developing one with AI, harnessing its potential while avoiding pitfalls.
The workshop’s highlight was the breakout sessions, where industry and global experts shared insights on contextualizing AI strategy and setting directional beacons for Nigeria’s AI development.
Participants, grouped into syndicates, presented strategic initiatives and roadmap development, focusing on thematic visioning for a robust AI Strategy document.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Tijani expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to the workshop’s success.
He expressed confidence in the development of a robust National AI Strategy that will benefit both Nigeria and the world, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s technological advancement journey.
