The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has urged Nigerian business leaders to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a strategic ally in driving innovation and economic growth, rather than viewing it as a threat to human employment.
Speaking during a high-level panel session titled “Builders of the New Nigeria – Stories of Scale, Grit, and Innovation” at the BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeria held in Lagos, Inuwa challenged the traditional perception of AI as a mere automation tool. He encouraged CEOs and executives to regard AI as a “thought partner” capable of enhancing productivity, unlocking creativity, and providing strategic business insights.
“I see Artificial Intelligence not just as a tool, but as a thought partner,” Inuwa said. “It’s not here to replace you or me, but to replace some of the skills and processes we rely on today. The key is to position yourself at the center of this collaboration.”
He explained that although AI can outperform humans in specific tasks, its role should be seen as complementary. He emphasized the need for business leaders to reposition themselves and develop the capabilities required to work effectively alongside intelligent systems.
Highlighting AI’s potential in streamlining routine tasks, Inuwa advised CEOs to approach AI with purpose by assigning it defined roles — whether as a virtual advisor, co-founder, or specialist to enhance human decision-making and creativity.
Despite expressing optimism about AI, the NITDA boss urged caution, warned that AI systems should not be assumed to be ethical or accurate by default.
“Always treat AI as the worst version of itself until it proves otherwise,” he warned. “That’s why the government must create policy labs to test AI in controlled environments and ensure they are safe, ethical, and reliable.”
Inuwa noted that NITDA’s regulatory approach is rooted in collaboration, experimentation, and co-creation. Instead of reacting with restrictive measures, the agency works closely with innovators, startups, and the private sector to test and learn from emerging technologies.
“Rather than rushing to regulate based on fear, we collaborate to experiment and co-create. The insights we gain help us build evidence-based policies that support innovation while protecting the public interest,” he said.
He concluded by stating that Nigeria is setting an example in balancing technological advancement with societal responsibility.
“Our goal is to create an enabling environment where businesses can innovate responsibly, while ensuring that all segments of society benefit from these advancements.”
The BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeria brought together top executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore strategies for growth, resilience, and technological adoption in today’s economic landscape. The forum also featured discussions on AI, digital payments, and data-driven innovation as tools to shape Nigeria’s economic future.
