The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has emphasized that the true power of artificial intelligence (AI) lies in its practical application rather than merely developing Large Language Models (LLMs). Speaking at the Africa Hyperscalers Digital Infrastructure Outlook 2025, Inuwa highlighted AI’s role in transforming governance, regulatory processes, and service delivery across various sectors in Nigeria.
According to Inuwa, NITDA is focused on ensuring that AI is deployed in ways that directly impact critical areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and financial services. He stressed that rather than attempting to compete in the race to develop AI models like those seen globally, Nigeria must leverage AI solutions that solve immediate problems and enhance efficiency in both government and business operations. “The real power of AI lies in its application. We should focus on deploying AI where it can make an immediate impact,” he stated.
As part of its broader digital transformation agenda, NITDA is also accelerating cloud adoption in Nigeria. The agency’s Cloud First Policy, introduced in 2019, was initially designed to encourage the use of public cloud services, reducing dependence on physical data centers. However, recognizing the need for digital sovereignty, NITDA has since pivoted towards strengthening local cloud infrastructure. A significant step in this direction is its collaboration with Google Cloud, which has committed to working with Nigerian data centers to enhance cloud adoption and build a hyperscale facility in the country.
Inuwa also emphasized that regulatory frameworks must evolve alongside technological advancements. He outlined NITDA’s two-pronged approach to regulation, which balances strict compliance requirements with flexibility to foster innovation. He explained that rule-based regulation ensures adherence to specific guidelines, while non-rule-based regulation allows industry-led innovation within an established framework. This model, he said, ensures that AI and cloud adoption can thrive while still being monitored to mitigate risks.
The conversation around Africa’s digital future was further expanded by Dr. Nadu Denloye, Co-founder of Telnet Nigeria Limited, who highlighted the continent’s rapid transformation due to increased connectivity, data center expansion, and AI adoption. She noted that Africa is at a pivotal moment, where technology-driven solutions can unlock economic growth and create opportunities for millions. “Africa’s digital revolution is unfolding at an unprecedented pace. By leveraging our collective expertise and fostering collaboration, we can overcome obstacles and unlock immense opportunities,” she remarked.
Other panelists at the event included Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres & Chairman of the Africa Data Centres Association; Johnson AgboGbua, CEO of Kasi Cloud; Obinna Isiadinso, Data Centres Global Sector Lead at the International Finance Corporation; Kazeem Oladepo, Chief Operating Officer of IHS; and Abibat Kazeem, Commercial Director of Bayobab. Their discussions revolved around the need for robust digital infrastructure, data localization policies, and strategic investments in cloud computing to support Africa’s AI-driven future.
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With NITDA leading efforts to integrate AI into governance and critical industries, Nigeria is positioning itself as a major player in Africa’s digital transformation. By prioritizing AI applications over model development, the country is ensuring that technology directly contributes to solving real-world problems and enhancing economic development.
