The Nigerian government has called for safe, ethical, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure its benefits are fully harnessed for innovation, growth, and national development.
In a statement released by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Thursday, the position was highlighted during a Policy Dialogue on AI Ethics and Governance held at the Omniverse Africa Summit 3.0.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, who represented the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, said Nigeria is committed to building a safe and inclusive AI ecosystem anchored on ethical governance and responsible innovation.
He noted that as AI continues to evolve, there is a growing need to strengthen safeguards that protect fundamental human rights, build public trust, and enhance collaboration among government, industry, academia, and development partners.
Dr. Onumo explained that ongoing initiatives under Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy include promoting digital literacy, supporting local AI solutions, and fostering partnerships to strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem.
According to him, these efforts are aimed at positioning Nigeria as a key contributor to the global AI landscape while ensuring that innovation translates into inclusive economic growth and national development.
He urged policymakers, academic institutions, industry leaders, innovators, and development partners to deepen collaboration in shaping an AI-driven future that benefits all Nigerians.
The dialogue also stressed the importance of ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed in ways that safeguard citizens’ rights, strengthen accountability, and build confidence in emerging technologies.
They reaffirmed commitments to advance ethical AI governance and strengthen Nigeria’s role in Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
