The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has advocated the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Nigeria’s security framework in order to make the nation’s environment more conducive for socioeconomic activities.
The Director-General of the agency, Dr.Kashifu Inuwa, made this call during a meeting he had with the Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Alhaji A. Adeleke, who was represented by the Deputy Commandant, D. Egbeji, in Abuja.
A statement from the agency indicated that the NITDA boss spoke on the methods employed by the security and information technology (IT) sectors, pointing out that through collaboration, it is possible to exploit the vast potentials IT provides to address the insecurity challenge in the country.
Inuwa listed the methods as including leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies to enhance the security sector.
The NITDA boss expressed the readiness of the agency for strategic partnerships, adding that such collaborations between the IT and security sectors are in line with the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), especially the pillar focusing on establishing strategic partnerships and collaborations.
He expatiated: “The approach adopted in the Security sector differs from that in the Information Technology (IT) sector. However, by working together, we can improve our outcomes by tapping into the myriad opportunities that IT presents, such as leveraging AI, IoT, and other emerging technologies to bolster the security sector.
“We are open to strategic collaborations as they align with one of the pillars of the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which is to forge strategic partnerships and collaborations. These synergistic relationships will enhance Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence,” Inuwa added.
On the capabilities of AI, he highlighted that the technology currently remained a global driving force, clarifying common misconceptions about it and underscoring its role in simplifying tasks, delivering prompt responses, and providing solutions.
The IT expert classified AI into three types based on capabilities, namely Narrow Intelligence, which allows machines to excel in specific tasks over humans; General AI, which is capable of learning and applying knowledge across various domains; and Deep Learning AI, which employs neural networks similar to the human brain.
In addition, he highlighted AI functionalities into four categories: Reactive Machines, which operate based on current data without past memory; Limited Memory, capable of storing and utilizing historical data for predictive analysis; Theory of Mind, which entails systems understanding human emotions and behaviours; and Self-Awareness.
Inuwa also maintained that NITDA was fostering AI growth in Nigeria through initiatives like the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy.
In his remarks at the meeting, the representative of the NISS Commandant expressed the Institute’s eagerness to learn from NITDA’s experiences with a view to gathering valuable insights for an executive brief for President Bola Tinubu to assist the government in policy formulation and implementation.
