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Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, Abdullahi, is canvassing for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Nigeria’s security architecture to increase effectiveness in the security sector through collaboration between the security industry and the startup ecosystem.
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“The way you do things in security is different from the way we do things in the Information Technology sector but if we can work together, we can make things better by utilitising the numerous opportunities that IT offers by leveraging AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and Emerging technologies in strengthening the security sector,” Abdullahi remarked while hosting the Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Alhaji A. S Adeleke. Deputy Commandant D. E Egbeji represented him.
The visit included faculty members and participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC 17) with the theme “Artificial Intelligence, Security, and Emerging Economies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects,” held in Abuja at the eGovernment Training Centre (eGTC), Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN).
The NITDA’s boss highlighted the unique approaches of the security and IT sectors, noting that collaboration could harness the vast opportunities offered by IT, including the utilisation of AI, the IoT, and other emerging technologies to strengthen the security sector.
AI is a driving force globally, stressed Abdullahi as he dispelled misconceptions on AI in simplifying tasks, providing quick answers, and offering solutions.
He categorized AI into three types based on capability: Narrow Intelligence, General AI, and Deep Learning AI. Narrow Intelligence involves machines outperforming humans in specific tasks, General AI can learn and apply knowledge, and Deep Learning AI uses neural networks, akin to the human brain. He delineated AI functionality into four categories: Reactive Machines, Limited Memory, Theory of Mind, and Self-Awareness. Reactive Machines operate solely on given data, lacking the ability to remember past information; Limited Memory can store and utilise historical data for predictive analysis, while Theory of Mind involves systems capable of understanding human behavior.
NITDA is actively supporting AI growth in Nigeria through initiatives like the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the ongoing development of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy.
Expressing openness to strategic collaboration, he highlighted that such partnerships align with the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), particularly the pillar focused on forging strategic partnerships and collaborations. He emphasized that synergistic relationships would amplify Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence.
“We are open to strategic collaboration as it aligns with a pillar of the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) which is to Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration. And synergistic relationships will amplify Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence,” he added.
Commandant of NISS, Adeleke expressed the institute’s intent to learn from NITDA’s experience, seeking valuable insights to inform an executive brief for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contribute to policy formulation and implementation.
“We are here to share from your experience and to gather all we can from the beginning of the course, because at the end of the course we are expected to make an executive brief to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR that will aid policy formulation and implementation,” Adeleke said.
In his earlier comments, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy in NITDA, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, detailed the evolutionary journey of NITDA from its inception stressing its historical milestones and transformative initiatives.
