The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria–United States cooperation on data privacy, artificial intelligence (AI), capacity building and cybersecurity.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, made this known on Wednesday at the Nigeria Data Privacy Capacity Building Workshop organized by the U.S. Department of State in Abuja.
The workshop was organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Mission and other key stakeholders in the digital ecosystem.
Inuwa said the partnership formed part of a deliberate and growing effort by both countries to address emerging digital challenges and harness new opportunities.
He recalled that in April 2024, Nigeria and the United States, through the U.S.–Nigeria Binational Commission, agreed to collaborate on critical areas including data privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, capacity building and broader digital development.
He also noted that the same year witnessed the successful hosting of an Artificial Intelligence Conference, co-hosted by the Nigerian Government and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.
According to Inuwa, Nigeria’s focus on data privacy, AI, cybersecurity and policy is anchored on building trust within the digital ecosystem.
“Trust is a critical enabler of digital transformation. Its absence slows innovation and increases costs, while its presence accelerates progress and reduces barriers to growth,” he said.
The NITDA boss added that building a prosperous digital economy requires deliberate efforts to safeguard data privacy, strengthen security frameworks and deploy AI responsibly.
He explained that AI depends on data, data demands privacy, and privacy can only be guaranteed through robust security measures, making it necessary to address the issues collectively.
Inuwa described the workshop as the beginning of broader engagements and deeper collaboration in other strategic areas of the global digital economy.
He disclosed that following the participation of the U.S. Mission in the National Cybersecurity Conference in 2026, plans were underway to expand the event into an international cybersecurity platform this year.
According to him, the international conference will provide opportunities for U.S. cybersecurity firms to showcase their technologies, explore partnerships with Nigerian companies developing local solutions and jointly strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
He assured partners and stakeholders of NITDA’s commitment to developing the right policies and creating an enabling environment for innovation to thrive.
Inuwa noted that Nigeria, alongside the rest of Africa, represents the next frontier of the digital economy, driven by a young, digitally native population and a rapidly expanding market.
He added that the country possesses significant local talent capable of developing homegrown solutions to address national and regional challenges.
“We remain committed to working with international partners to build local capacity and promote digital self-determination.
“Digital technology is no longer optional; it is central to economic growth and development, and no nation can afford to be left behind.
“The only way to harness the opportunities of the ongoing AI revolution is by safeguarding privacy, establishing sound policies and laying a strong digital foundation capable of supporting rapid technological advancement,” he said.
