The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has emphasized that technology is a neutral tool whose impact on society is shaped by its application. He urged stakeholders to harness its potential for Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
Inuwa made this known during a virtual panel session themed “Culture and Innovation: The Changing Landscape and Technoculture,” organized by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy in partnership with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and UNESCO.
Speaking through the Acting Director of Regulation and Compliance, Barrister Emmanuel Edet, Inuwa highlighted the need for deliberate policies and collaborative efforts to ensure that technology supports the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage while driving economic development.
“Technology in itself is neutral; it’s neither good nor bad. What matters is the intent and strategy behind its use,” he noted.
He explained that as digital innovation continues to influence global culture and economies, tools such as Figma, Canva, and CorelDRAW—now enhanced with Artificial Intelligence (AI)—are transforming content creation and interaction. According to him, equipping Nigerians with relevant digital skills is key to unlocking the full potential of these tools for national development.
Inuwa reiterated NITDA’s commitment to digital literacy through initiatives such as the establishment of Digital Learning Centres across the country and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), which provides training and nurtures tech talent.
He also announced Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which aims to position the country as a leader in AI adoption while promoting inclusivity, innovation, and respect for intellectual property rights.
In addition, he spotlighted the National Blockchain Policy as a major milestone that empowers creatives—including artists, musicians, and filmmakers—to tokenise their works for secure ownership and copyright protection, thereby strengthening the creative economy.
“Technology is a tool—it all depends on how we use it. Our focus at NITDA is to build an ecosystem where technology drives Nigeria’s economic, social, and creative progress,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ibrahim Suleiman, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, described the forum as a timely platform for shaping Nigeria’s future through the fusion of culture and innovation.
The summit brought together participants from government, industry, and civil society, who deliberated on how technology can be leveraged to preserve cultural identity, create jobs, spur innovation, and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Discussions focused on the transformative power of digital tools, AI, and blockchain in redefining the creative landscape and fostering inclusive economic growth. Insights and outcomes from the event are expected to inform future policies and long-term development strategies for Nigeria’s creative and cultural sectors.
