The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has advocated the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into Nigeria’s security architecture to improve outcomes.
Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, stated this during a meeting with the Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Alhaji A.S. Adeleke, who was represented by Deputy Commandant D.E. Egbeji.
Inuwa emphasized the potential benefits of combining the security and IT industries, emphasizing the need to use AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other new technologies to improve security.
He emphasized NITDA’s readiness for strategic collaborations, which is consistent with the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on developing partnerships.
Inuwa focused on AI’s capabilities, classifying it as Narrow Intelligence, General AI, and Deep Learning AI, as well as exploring functions such as reactive machines, limited memory, theory of mind, and self-awareness.
He also emphasized NITDA’s attempts to foster AI growth in Nigeria, including the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the creation of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy.
“The approach adopted in the security sector differs from that in the information technology (IT) sector. However, by working together, we can improve our outcomes by tapping into the myriad opportunities that IT presents, such as leveraging AI, IoT, and other emerging technologies to bolster the security sector,” he stated.
“We are open to strategic collaborations as they align with one of the pillars of the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which is to forge strategic partnerships and collaborations. These synergistic relationships will enhance Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence,” Inuwa further added.
Alhaji A.S. Adeleke, Commandant NISS, highlighted the institute’s enthusiasm to gather insights from NITDA’s experiences to prepare an executive brief for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, thereby aiding policy development and implementation.
“We are here to benefit from your experience and to gather all that we can from the beginning of the course. By the end, we aim to deliver an executive brief to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR that will facilitate policy formulation and implementation,” he said.
