National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged young Nigerians to take the lead in developing home-grown artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to address the country’s socio-economic challenges.
The Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Mrs. Udoka Mannie of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, delivered the keynote address at the Artificial Intelligence Hackathon organised by the Agency in partnership with VibeCode Africa in Abuja.
Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, made the call at an Artificial Intelligence Hackathon organised by the agency in partnership with VibeCode Africa in Abuja.
Inuwa, who was represented by the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Dr Ahmed Tambuwal, and delivered through Mrs Udoka Mannie, said Nigeria’s youthful population presents a significant opportunity for innovation and digital transformation.
Read Also: NITDA, CAC Strengthen Cybersecurity Measures Amid System Concerns
He noted that with over 60 per cent of Nigerians under the age of 25, the country is well positioned to benefit from emerging technologies such as AI.
“As you can see, this room is filled with young people. This represents a powerful opportunity for innovation and digital skills development,” he said.
Inuwa stated that the hackathon provided a strategic platform for participants from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and develop practical AI-driven solutions tailored to Nigeria’s realities.
He observed that artificial intelligence is already transforming economies, governance systems and societies globally, stressing that Nigeria must decide whether to shape the technology for national development or remain a passive consumer.
According to him, NITDA’s mandate is to regulate and develop information technology in Nigeria while ensuring it serves as a driver of economic growth.
He explained that the agency’s Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department is focused on building a digitally skilled population capable of competing in the global digital economy.
The Director-General highlighted the Digital Literacy for All initiative (DL4ALL) as a flagship programme aimed at equipping millions of Nigerians with essential digital skills, in line with the Federal Government’s target of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030.
“Beyond literacy, we are now moving into capability. It is one thing to use technology, but another thing entirely to build with it. Today, we are challenging you to build,” he said.
Inuwa urged participants to prioritise impact-driven innovation, identifying sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, public service delivery and misinformation as areas where AI can drive meaningful change.
He also stressed the importance of ethics, inclusion and data protection in the development of AI solutions.
“As we explore AI, we must be mindful of ethics, data protection and inclusion. Building responsibly is just as important as building brilliantly,” he said.
Inuwa commended VibeCode Africa for partnering with NITDA, describing such collaborations as vital for scaling innovation across the country.
He encouraged participants to collaborate, experiment and innovate, adding that Nigeria’s AI future would be driven by local talent.
“The future of AI in Nigeria will not be imported. It will be built by people like you in rooms like this,” he said.
In her remarks, the founder of VibeCode Africa, Lola Adey, urged participants to harness AI to solve real-life challenges within their communities.
Adey said the hackathon was designed to move beyond theory by encouraging participants to identify problems they personally experience and develop practical solutions.
“We want you to dig deep into yourselves. What are the problems you are facing? What are the issues you notice when you walk around?” she said.
She cited challenges such as electricity shortages, insecurity and gaps in social services as areas where innovation could make a difference.
Also Read: NITDA, CAC Strengthen Cybersecurity Measures Amid System Concerns
Adey added that the initiative aims to create opportunities for entrepreneurship, employment and global exposure for young Nigerians.
“With artificial intelligence, you now have something in your hand that you can use to actually solve problems. You don’t have to wait for anybody anymore,” she said.
She urged participants to remain focused, collaborative and open to learning, noting that the platform could connect them to future partners, investors and employers.
