• February 11, 2025

By Balarabe Oshiafi

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has called on policymakers to leverage the unique strengths of their states to drive economic prosperity.

The NITDA Boss spoke at a capacity building Workshop held at FutureMap Academy, in Hadejia, Jigawa State focusing on the theme “AI for Office Productivity, Design Thinking, Agriculture, Health, Education, Energy, and Climate Change.”

Addressing participants which included academics, professionals, startup founders, students, government officials, and representatives from non-governmental organizations, Kashifu emphasized the need for state policymakers to identify and harness their resources effectively.

Citing Jigawa’s large pool of computer science graduates as a significant asset, he pointed out that they could be empowered to contribute to the state’s development if equipped with the right skills and opportunities.

He shared personal anecdotes about his journey into computer science and digital transformation, emphasizing how local mentors can inspire the next generation to explore careers in technology.

Inuwa stressed the need for policies that build remote work competencies among young people. He shared the success stories of young Nigerians who transitioned from being workers in organisations to a high-paying remote role with foreign companies. The DG advocated for integrating technology into various sectors, including agriculture, to create diverse employment opportunities.

Encouraging participants to rethink service delivery, Inuwa stressed the need for technology-driven solutions to improve citizens’ lives by utilizing resources efficiently to improve productivity and enable remote work opportunities for citizens.

He highlighted digital transformation’s impact on productivity, integrating people, processes, and technology. He cited Uber and Airbnb as examples of disruption through innovation.

He also showcased AI’s practical applications and suggested government services, such as land and birth certificate registration, could benefit from digital transformation, reducing bureaucratic stress for citizens.

Highlighting the transformative role of technology and self-learning in boosting productivity, he disclosed how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used at NITDA to enhance operational efficiency by streamlining processes and managing complex tasks.

While emphasizing the importance of adopting a strategic mindset and integrating technology into everyday workflows, he urged participants to start with small changes in their own offices and inspire others to adopt strategic approaches to problem-solving.

He noted that effective service delivery starts with individual commitment and grows into collective action.

In a goodwill message at the event, Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Dr. Nihinlola Mary Fafore, Huawei Representative, who joined virtually emphasized the company’s vision to empower individuals and communities with digital skills.

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