The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called on young Nigerians to take the lead in building home-grown artificial intelligence solutions tailored to the country’s unique socio-economic challenges.
Delivering a keynote address at an Artificial Intelligence Hackathon organised by NITDA in partnership with VibeCode Africa in Abuja, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa represented by Mrs. Udoka Mannie of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building department,said Nigeria’s youthful population presented a significant opportunity for innovation and digital transformation.
He noted that the event provided a strategic platform for participants from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and develop practical AI-driven solutions suited to Nigeria’s realities.
According to Inuwa, with over 60 percent of Nigerians under the age of 25, the country ranks among the youngest populations globally, positioning it to benefit greatly from emerging technologies.
“As you can see, this room is filled with young people; this represents a powerful opportunity for innovation and digital skills development,” he said.
He stressed that artificial intelligence is already reshaping economies, governance systems and societies worldwide, adding that Nigeria must decide whether to actively shape AI for national development or remain a passive consumer of foreign innovations.
Inuwa reiterated that NITDA’s mandate is to develop and regulate information technology in Nigeria while ensuring it serves as a catalyst for growth rather than mere consumption.
He explained that the agency’s Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department is focused on building a digitally skilled population capable of participating effectively in the global digital economy.
Highlighting the Digital Literacy for All initiative (DL4ALL), he said the programme aims to equip millions of Nigerians with critical digital skills in line with the Federal Government’s target of achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030.
“Beyond literacy, we are now moving into capability. It is one thing to use technology, but another entirely to build with it. Today, we are challenging you to build,” he said.
He urged participants to prioritise impact-driven innovation over prizes or recognition, noting that Nigeria faces numerous challenges requiring technological solutions.
Inuwa identified key sectors such as healthcare in rural communities, public service delivery, agriculture, education, financial inclusion and misinformation as areas where AI can drive transformation.
He also emphasised the importance of ethics, inclusion and data protection in developing AI systems.
“As we explore AI, we must be mindful of ethics, data protection and inclusion. Building responsibly is just as important as building brilliantly,” he said.
The NITDA boss commended VibeCode Africa for partnering with the agency to host the hackathon, describing such collaborations as vital for scaling innovation.
Encouraging teamwork and rapid experimentation, he said the future of artificial intelligence in Nigeria would be driven by local innovators.
“The future of AI in Nigeria will not be imported. It will be built by people like you in rooms like this,” he added.
In her opening remarks, Founder of VibeCode Africa, Lola Adey, urged young Nigerians to harness artificial intelligence to tackle pressing national challenges, stressing that Africa must evolve into a hub of innovation rather than a talent pool for foreign economies.
Adey explained that this year’s hackathon departs from previous formats by allowing participants to identify real-life challenges within their communities and design solutions accordingly.
“We’re not going to give you any industry. We want you to dig deep into yourselves. What are the problems you are facing? What are the problems your brothers and sisters are facing? What are the issues you notice when you walk around?” she said.
She cited electricity shortages, insecurity and gaps in social services as examples of issues that young innovators can address through technology.
According to her, the initiative is designed not just for dialogue but to create pathways for entrepreneurship, employment and global opportunities.
“With artificial intelligence, you now have something in your hand that you can use to actually solve problems. You don’t have to wait for anybody anymore,” she said.
She further encouraged participants to stay focused, collaborative and open to opportunities, noting that the event could connect them with future co-founders, investors and employers.
