Abuja: The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr Kashifu Inuwa, stated that the digital economy, utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI), can drive the country’s economy to achieve up to 20 per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
Inuwa said this during the 3rd Economic Confidential Lecture in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said that AI was no longer optional but essential.
“Digital economy has the potential to drive 20 per cent GDP growth, if strategically harnessed. Those who fail to upskill will be replaced. AI can free up 20 per cent of time for higher productivity, and nations leading in AI will lead the world,” he said.
According to him, the country can not afford to miss the fourth industrial revolution after losing out in the first three revolutions.
Inuwa stated that there were ongoing collaborations with the Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into the country’s national curriculum, as well as with the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to enhance civil service training.
“Market women can now connect with customers through mobile technology. But as we connect, we must also protect, and cybersecurity is a critical pillar.”
The President and Chairman of Council, The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), led by Dr Ike Neliaku, emphasised that the country must ensure participation in the digital global economy is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.
Neliaku was represented by NIPR fellow, Dr Afolabi Olajuwon.He urged the country to be committed to building capacity, investing in infrastructure, and creating policies that enable innovation to thrive.
“We are living in a period where technology is reshaping governance, trade, education, healthcare and every aspect of human endeavour.
“Nations that fail to embrace the digital revolution risk being left behind, while those that seize the opportunity can leapfrog barriers to growth and development,” Neliaku said.
He said that the country was blessed with a dynamic youth population, abundant talent, and a spirit of innovation, adding that it must advance its embrace of this new reality.
Neliaku said that the Renewed Hope Agenda challenged Nigerians to harness technology, not merely as consumers, but as creators, innovators and exporters of digital solutions.
He said that to achieve this, there should be collaboration among the government, the private sector and academia.
He said that the media was not optional, but critical and essential. “I also wish to commend the unveiling of the three landmark publications: Diplomacy and digital innovation: youths’ insights. Healing Nigeria: A chronicle of health reform and hope, and also the renewed hope in central banking.
“Each of these publications reflects a thoughtful attempt to capture pressing national and global issues, while offering practical insights for policy and practice.
“They are not just books, but tools for shaping informed conversations and evidence-based decision-making,” Neliaku said.
Other experts have identified AI as a key factor to be embraced in driving Nigeria’s economy toward prosperity.
They advocated for the deployment of technology and AI to support the country’s current efforts at economic diversification and overall development.
Specifically, they called for the adoption of AI to enhance Nigeria’s growth in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
