By Hillary Asemota
The growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be attributed to Digital Innovation and the evolution of technology.
Globally, countries across the world are grappling with ways to manage the exponential growth of new and emerging technologies to advance their economies.
In cognisance of the exponential growth and potential value of digital technologies, which is in line with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari, to diversify the Nigerian economy through utilising digital technologies, the President launched the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), developed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to reposition Nigeria’s economy and leverage the many opportunities provided by these digital technologies.
It is against this backdrop that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Ibrahim Pantami, directed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to develop a National Artificial Intelligence Policy (NAIP).
The development of the NAIP is envisaged to maximise the benefits, mitigate possible risks, and address some of the complexities attributed to using AI in our daily activities.
Furthermore, it will provide directions on how Nigeria can take advantage of AI, including the development, use, and adoption of AI to proactively facilitate the development of Nigeria into a sustainable digital economy.
Recall that NITDA is responsible for developing standards, guidelines, and frameworks for the IT sector in Nigeria, as enshrined in Section 6 of the NITDA Act 2007. The Agency invites the public to contribute and participate in developing National Artificial Intelligence Policy (NAIP).
NITDA is therefore requesting that stakeholders use the link below to participate by providing input or contributing to the Policy’s development as an expert/specialist volunteer.
Send your input/contributions through:
Contributions – https://forms.office.com/r/JmgCe8HauK
Volunteer Expert Form – https://forms.office.com/r/nvmpp8Nv65
For inquiries and more information, please contact: ai@nitda.gov.ng
Signed: Mrs Hadiza Umar,
Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, NITDA.