Nigeria and the United States have renewed their commitment to enhancing collaboration in data privacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity, to build trust and resilience in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), shared these insights during the Nigeria Data Privacy Capacity Building Workshop. The U.S. Department of State organised the event in partnership with the Nigerian Mission and key players in the digital landscape.
Inuwa characterised the workshop as a significant affirmation of the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. in enhancing the nation’s digital and technical frameworks. He highlighted that this initiative demonstrates a concerted effort by both countries to collaboratively address emerging digital challenges and opportunities.
He referred to the agreement reached in April 2024 under the U.S.–Nigeria Binational Commission framework, in which both nations agreed to cooperate on data privacy, AI, cybersecurity, capacity building, and broader digital development projects.
“The partnership has already produced tangible results, such as co-hosting an Artificial Intelligence Conference with the Nigerian government and the U.S. Mission, alongside discussions with U.S. cybersecurity firms aimed at exploring collaborative opportunities to enhance Nigeria’s technical landscape,” Inuwa noted.
He underscored that NITDA’s initiatives regarding data privacy, AI, and cybersecurity are driven by the critical need to foster trust in the digital arena. “Trust is essential for digital transformation. Its absence hinders innovation and elevates costs, while its presence spurs growth and minimises,” he remarked.
Inuwa also mentioned plans to elevate Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Conference into an international event this year. Following the U.S. participation in the 2025 edition, the expanded conference will provide a platform for U.S. cybersecurity companies to showcase their solutions, deepen collaborations with Nigerian firms, and further enhance Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework.
