NITDA Strengthens U.S. Partnership to Build Trusted Digital Ecosystem
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is deepening its partnership with the United States as part of Nigeria’s broader effort to build a trusted, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystem, with a strong focus on data governance, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, during his address at the Nigeria Data Privacy Capacity Building Workshop, organised by the United States Department of State in collaboration with the Nigerian Mission in Abuja.
Focus on Data Privacy, AI, and Cybersecurity
According to a statement issued by NITDA, the expanded collaboration will focus on strengthening Nigeria’s technical capacity in data privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital skills development.
Inuwa stressed that trust is a critical enabler of digital transformation, noting that innovation and economic growth can only thrive within a secure and reliable digital environment.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to building a resilient digital economy and supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the priority area focused on strengthening national security for peace and prosperity.
Growing U.S.–Nigeria Digital Cooperation
The collaboration builds on the expanding United States–Nigeria partnership, which gained momentum following the April 2024 Binational Commission meeting and a jointly hosted Artificial Intelligence Conference.
Later in the year, the Nigerian Government and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria co-hosted another AI-focused conference, while engagements with U.S.-based cybersecurity companies continued as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and security capabilities.
AI, Data, and Security Are Interconnected
Explaining the significance of the partnership, Inuwa noted that AI, data privacy, and cybersecurity are deeply interconnected.
“As AI thrives on data, data requires privacy, and privacy depends on strong security,” he said, adding that these issues cannot be treated in isolation.
He emphasised that Nigeria can only fully harness the opportunities of the global AI revolution by strengthening data protection frameworks, developing clear policies, and laying a solid digital foundation for accelerated technological growth.
Plans for Global Cybersecurity Engagement
Inuwa also revealed that following the participation of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Conference in 2025, NITDA plans to expand the event into an international cybersecurity platform this year.
The move is aimed at fostering global collaboration, sharing best practices, and attracting expertise that can enhance Nigeria’s cyber resilience.
Building Digital Self-Determination
The partnership comes at a critical time, as Nigeria works to strengthen its cybersecurity framework to mitigate data and financial risks while supporting large-scale digital transformation.
Inuwa explained that the initiative will enable deeper collaboration between U.S. cybersecurity firms and Nigerian companies, allowing technology showcases, joint innovation, and capacity building with local talent.
NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to creating enabling policies and a supportive regulatory environment that encourages innovation and positions Nigeria and Africa as the next frontier of the global digital economy.
