Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for national development took another significant step forward as the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, held a high-level strategic meeting with Hon. Michelle Donelan, the Founding UK Secretary of State for Innovation and Technology and Global Advisor on AI, Skills, and the Future Economy, during GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai.
The meeting focused on establishing stronger collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in promoting ethical and responsible AI deployment. Both leaders discussed frameworks for cooperation that would accelerate Nigeria’s participation in the global digital economy while ensuring that AI adoption aligns with international best practices in data protection, innovation, and inclusion.
Speaking after the engagement, Abdullahi emphasized that the discussion represents a major stride toward Nigeria’s vision of becoming an active player in the global AI ecosystem.
“Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries and shaping the future of economies worldwide. Our focus is to ensure Nigeria is not left behind — by fostering partnerships that encourage innovation, research, and skill development,” he said.
The talks explored key areas of partnership, including AI research collaboration, technology innovation exchange, and capacity-building programs aimed at equipping Nigerians with the skills required to thrive in an AI-driven global economy. These initiatives are expected to position Nigeria strategically within emerging global value chains and strengthen its competitiveness in digital technology.
Hon. Michelle Donelan commended Nigeria’s forward-looking digital agenda and expressed the UK’s readiness to work closely with NITDA in developing policies that encourage responsible AI use.
“Nigeria has a dynamic and innovative young population, and we see tremendous potential in deepening our cooperation in technology and skills development,” she remarked. “Our shared goal is to ensure AI is harnessed for inclusive growth and social good.”
The engagement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes digital transformation and innovation as key drivers of economic growth. It also reinforces NITDA’s ongoing mission to make Nigeria not only a consumer of technology but a creator and exporter of digital solutions to the world.
As AI continues to redefine the global economy, partnerships such as this mark a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey toward building a sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-led future.
