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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged Nigerian youths to take the lead in developing indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions tailored to the country’s socio-economic realities.
The agency made the call during an Artificial Intelligence Hackathon organised by VibeCode Africa in collaboration with NITDA, as part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria from a technology-consuming nation to a global innovation hub.
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, an official of the agency, Udoka Mannie Akakem, said the country must move away from overdependence on foreign technologies.
He said, “The era of relying solely on foreign-built technology must end. We must begin to develop homegrown solutions that reflect our unique challenges and opportunities as a nation.”
Akakem noted that Nigeria’s demographic strength, with over 60 per cent of the population under the age of 25, presents a strategic advantage in driving innovation and digital transformation.
He explained that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day tool reshaping economies and governance systems globally.
“Nigeria’s greatest competitive advantage lies in its youthful population. We must harness this potential to build innovative solutions that can compete globally,” he added.
The NITDA representative further disclosed that the agency is expanding its focus beyond basic digital literacy to building deeper technical capabilities across the country.
He referenced the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which aims to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030.
According to him, young innovators should channel their skills into critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, public service, and financial inclusion.
“The most impactful AI solutions will be those grounded in Nigerian realities. Collaboration between emerging talents and industry experts is essential to bridge existing gaps in our domestic market,” he said.
Akakem also stressed the importance of responsible innovation, noting that ethical considerations, data protection, and social inclusion must remain central to AI development.
He added, “Innovation must be guided by strong ethical standards. As we advance technologically, we must ensure that no segment of society is left behind.”
NITDA reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovation-driven ecosystem capable of positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
