The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa , has described technology as a neutral tool whose impact on society depends on how it is applied, urging stakeholders to leverage its potential for Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.
Inuwa stated this while speaking at a virtual panel session titled “Culture and Innovation: The Changing Landscape and Technoculture,” organized by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and UNESCO.
Represented by the Acting Director, Regulation and Compliance, Barrister Emmanuel Edet, the NITDA boss emphasized the need for deliberate policies and collaborative efforts to ensure that technology enhances, rather than erodes, Nigeria’s cultural heritage while also boosting economic development.
“Technology in itself is neutral it’s neither good nor bad. What matters is the intent and strategy behind its use,” he said.
Inuwa noted that as digital innovation continues to influence global cultures and economies, tools such as Figma, Canva, and CorelDRAW now integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming how people create and interact with content. He stressed the importance of equipping Nigerians with relevant digital skills to harness these tools for productivity and national development.
Highlighting NITDA’s commitment to digital literacy, he mentioned the establishment of Digital Learning Centres across the country and the pivotal role of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in providing training and nurturing tech talent.
He also unveiled Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which aims to make the country a leader in AI adoption while prioritising social inclusion, intellectual property rights, and innovation across key sectors.
Furthermore, Inuwa referenced the National Blockchain Policy as another major milestone. The policy empowers creatives artists, musicians, and filmmakers to tokenise their works for secure ownership and copyright protection, boosting the creative industry.
“Technology is a tool it all depends on how we use it, Our focus at NITDA is to create an ecosystem where technology drives Nigeria’s economic, social, and creative progress.”he reiterated.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ibrahim Suleiman, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, described the forum as a timely opportunity to shape Nigeria’s future through culture and innovation.
The summit attracted participants from government, industry, and civil society, who deliberated on leveraging technology to preserve cultural identity, create jobs, foster innovation, and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Discussions centred on the transformative power of digital tools, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain in reshaping the creative landscape and driving inclusive economic growth.
Outcomes from the event are expected to contribute significantly to policy formulation and long-term development of Nigeria’s creative and cultural sectors.
