The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has sought the contribution of stakeholders in the information technology sector to the development of a National Artificial Intelligence Policy (NAIP).
Sequel to the nation’s belief that the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) can be attributed to digital innovation and the evolution of technology.
A statement by NITDA’s head of corporate affairs and external relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, pointed out that, globally, countries are grappling with managing the exponential growth of new and emerging technologies to advance their economies.
It added that the goal is in cognisance of the exponential growth and potential value of digital technologies and in line with the vision of President Muhammad Buhari to diversify the Nigerian economy through utilising digital technologies. To this end, it said, the president launched the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) developed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMoCDE) to reposition Nigeria’s economy and leverage the many opportunities provided by these digital technologies.
Following this, the Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim directed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to develop a National Artificial Intelligence Policy (NAIP), 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.
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).
The statement urged stakeholders to use the link below to participate by providing input or contributing to the policy’s development as an expert or a specialist volunteer.
Send your input/contributions through: contributions – https://forms.office.com/r/JmgCe8HauK
Volunteer Expert Form – https://forms.office.com/r/nvmpp8Nv65
It urged the public to contact: ai@nitda.gov.ng for inquiries and more information.
