The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the United States have taken steps to deepen their partnership to advance data privacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity initiatives. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening digital governance, promoting responsible innovation, and enhancing cybersecurity resilience in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. Through this partnership, both parties seek to exchange expertise, align regulatory approaches, and support the development of secure and trustworthy digital ecosystems.
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa, highlighted the growing collaboration between Nigeria and the United States during the Nigeria Data Privacy Capacity Building Workshop held in Abuja. The U.S. Department of State organised the workshop in partnership with the Nigerian Mission and key stakeholders within the digital ecosystem.
Inuwa explained that the partnership represents a deliberate, ongoing effort by both countries to address emerging digital challenges while unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth. According to him, the collaboration is focused on strengthening regulatory frameworks, knowledge exchange, and institutional capacity in critical digital sectors.
He also referenced the agreement reached in April 2024 under the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission, in which both nations committed to working together on priority areas such as data privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, capacity building, and other aspects of digital development.
In 2024, Nigeria and the United States further demonstrated their commitment to digital cooperation by successfully hosting an Artificial Intelligence Conference jointly organised by the Nigerian Government and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria. The event underscored the shared focus on advancing data privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital policy development.
At the core of these efforts is the goal of building trust within the digital ecosystem. Trust remains a critical enabler of digital transformation, as its absence can slow innovation, increase operational costs, and create barriers to growth. Conversely, a trusted digital environment accelerates progress, encourages adoption, and supports sustainable innovation.
Developing a resilient and prosperous digital economy requires deliberate action to protect data privacy, strengthen security frameworks, and ensure the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence. These elements are deeply interconnected: artificial intelligence depends on data, data requires privacy, and privacy can only be assured through robust cybersecurity measures.
Addressing these priorities collectively is therefore essential to fostering a secure, inclusive, and forward-looking digital ecosystem.
Nigeria continues to demonstrate strong local talent capable of developing homegrown digital solutions to address both national and regional challenges. This growing capacity forms a critical foundation for innovation and sustainable technological development.
At the same time, the country remains committed to collaborating with international partners to strengthen local capacity and advance digital self-determination. Such partnerships are viewed as essential for knowledge exchange, skills development, and the creation of resilient digital ecosystems.
Digital technology has become a central driver of economic growth and development, making its adoption no longer optional in an increasingly competitive global landscape. To fully harness the opportunities presented by the ongoing AI revolution, there is a clear need to safeguard data privacy, establish robust policy frameworks, and build a strong digital foundation that supports rapid, responsible technological advancement.