By Blessing Emmanuel
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has stated that technology should be viewed as a neutral tool that, if used appropriately, has the potential to drive Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
Inuwa made these remarks during a virtual panel discussion titled “Culture and Innovation: The Changing Landscape and Technoculture.” During the session, he underscored the importance of balancing cultural values with economic development through the responsible use of technology.
The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy in partnership with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and UNESCO, brought together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to explore the relationship between culture, technology, and innovation in Nigeria.
Inuwa, who was represented by Barrister Emmanuel Edet, the Acting Director of Regulation and Compliance at NITDA, stressed that technology, in itself, is neither inherently good nor bad—it is neutral. He explained that its effects are entirely determined by how it is applied and the purpose it serves.
He further noted that, when guided by proper intentions, strategy, and policies, technology could become a powerful force for good, especially in a nation like Nigeria, which boasts both a rich cultural heritage and vast economic potential.
As global technological influence continues to grow, Inuwa pointed out that Nigeria must seize the opportunity to leverage digital innovation for its development. He cited creative software tools such as Figma, Canva, and CorelDRAW, which now incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI), as examples of how technology can enhance creativity and productivity.
“Technology is merely a tool,” Inuwa remarked. “It all depends on how we use it. We must ensure that our approach to technology adoption aligns with our cultural identity and developmental goals.”
To enable Nigerians to fully benefit from the digital age, Inuwa explained that NITDA has established digital learning centres across the country, providing training in various aspects of emerging technologies. He added that the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), another NITDA initiative, plays a crucial role in offering training and creating tech hubs to foster innovation and skills development.
During his address, Inuwa also unveiled Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. This strategy outlines the nation’s vision for AI adoption, focusing on key areas such as efficiency, inclusion, and transformation in critical sectors of the economy. He noted that the strategy also stresses the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and promoting the responsible use of AI across both the public and private sectors.
Inuwa also discussed one of NITDA’s standout innovations, the National Blockchain Policy. He explained that this policy is already supporting the creative industry by enabling artists, musicians, and filmmakers to tokenise their work, simplifying the process of proving ownership and combating copyright infringement, which is a persistent issue in Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
He further noted that NITDA is committed to fostering an environment in which innovation can thrive while preserving the country’s rich cultural values. “Our objective is to create an environment where technology contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic and creative development,” he said.
Mr. Ibrahim Suleiman, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, also spoke at the session. He described the event as a timely initiative, providing an opportunity for both government and private sector players to collaborate and plan the future direction of Nigeria’s arts and cultural industries.
The event featured discussions on overcoming challenges within the creative industry, boosting innovation, and improving Nigeria’s global competitiveness. Participants explored how the creative economy could benefit from digital tools, including AI and Blockchain, while ensuring the preservation of the country’s unique cultural heritage.
As technology continues to transform the ways in which people create, share, and consume art and culture, the speakers agreed that Nigeria must act quickly to stay ahead. They stressed the importance of government policies, education, and strategic partnerships to ensure that the country does not miss out on the economic opportunities presented by digital innovation.
A key theme throughout the event was the need for collaboration among stakeholders to develop inclusive policies that protect creators while enabling them to profit from their work. There was also a call for increased investment in training and access to digital tools, particularly for young Nigerians, who form the backbone of the country’s creative sector.
