Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital innovation are set to power Nigeria?s next phase of inclusive prosperity, according to Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Delivering the keynote address at the 3rd Annual Economic Confidential Public Lecture in Abuja?an event where three new books authored by PRNigeria staff were unveiled by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR)?Inuwa said AI provides Nigeria with a historic opportunity to leapfrog traditional barriers to development.

He explained that AI could automate up to 30 percent of tasks in the economy, boosting GDP growth by as much as 20 percent. Beyond efficiency, he noted, AI enables a self-reinforcing cycle of innovation where each breakthrough fuels further discoveries and long-term transformation.

To illustrate its real-world potential, he narrated the story of a Kaduna farmer who, through an AI-powered advisory app, adjusted her planting cycle, applied the right fertilizer, and doubled her yield. ?This is the promise of AI: turning uncertainty into opportunity and poverty into prosperity,? he said.

Inuwa outlined Nigeria?s digital transformation agenda, which includes the formulation of a National AI Strategy, the restructuring of the National Centre for AI and Robotics, and support for more than 45 AI startups under the Nigeria AI Research Scheme. He also pointed to global partnerships with Google and collaborations with Nigerian universities to accelerate adoption.

He stressed that Nigeria?s comparative advantages?over 130 million internet users, a median age of 17, and one of Africa?s most vibrant startup ecosystems?position the nation to lead the continent?s digital revolution.

Highlighting youth as the country?s greatest asset, he cited initiatives such as Digital Literacy for All (DL4All), which has already trained more than 300,000 Nigerians, and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, designed to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?s vision of creating two million digital jobs.

Inuwa emphasised the need for the government to act as a facilitator by providing regulatory sandboxes, offering incentives for research and development, and investing in digital infrastructure. He referenced the Nigeria Startup Act, which has already labeled 180 startups, and partnerships with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), including the $11.2 million Abuja Startup Hub and a $40 million startup seed fund supported by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority.

Inuwa declared that Nigeria?s digital revolution is already underway. ?Nigeria is not waiting for the future?we are building it now. By investing, innovating, and collaborating, we can turn the AI revolution into a Nigerian revolution of prosperity,? he said.

In his opening remarks, Yushau A. Shuaib, Editor-in-Chief of Economic Confidential and founder of IMPR, explained how AI is already transforming journalism and public relations in Nigeria.

?At the PRNigeria Centre, AI is helping PR professionals become more agile, data-driven, and impactful?without replacing the human touch that makes communication resonate,? Shuaib said. He noted that IMPR deploys AI for audience analysis, media monitoring, content automation, and early crisis detection.

Reflecting on the lecture?s evolution, Shuaib recalled its 2023 debut, which focused on economic diversification in a cashless society, featuring Professor Isa Ali Pantami and Mohammed Bello Shehu. The 2024 edition focused on food security and economic growth, with key speakers including Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

This year?s theme, he said, reflects Nigeria?s growing stake in the global digital economy and the leadership role of NITDA?s DG in digital policy.

Shuaib also highlighted IMPR?s intellectual culture, noting that nearly 70 percent of its staff have authored or co-authored books. At this year?s lecture, three new publications were unveiled: ?Renewed Hope in Central Banking? by Rahma Oladosu; ?Healing Nigeria: A Chronicle of Health Reform and Hope? by Maimuna Katuka and Dahiru Mamman; and ?Diplomacy and Digital Innovation: Youths? Insights? by Fatimah Usman and Faruk Bala.

He further announced the forthcoming second edition of the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship, a programme designed to train emerging communicators in journalism, AI, and strategic media engagement.

Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Tope Fasuan, echoed the lecture?s theme by urging Nigeria to adapt to its shifting economic landscape and harness digital innovation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

?The rebased data confirms what many of us have seen,? he said. ?Nigeria?s economy is no longer just about oil?the dynamism of the services sector drives it.?

Fasuan highlighted fintech, e-commerce, and Nollywood as signs of resilience, but cautioned about structural weaknesses, including a shrinking manufacturing base (16.7% of GDP), a large informal sector (42.5%), and a declining per capita income ($1,095 in 2024). He recommended formalizing the digital economy through supportive regulation, reviving manufacturing and agro-processing by cutting infrastructure costs, and investing in human capital through digital literacy and vocational training.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku?represented by Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon?urged stakeholders to unite in harnessing digital innovation for national development. He warned that ?nations that fail to embrace the digital revolution risk being left behind,? and praised the newly unveiled books as ?tools for shaping informed conversations and evidence-based decision-making.?

Other dignitaries, including Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), Chairman Centre for Crisis Communication, and Dr. Sule Yau Sule, an associate professor of Strategic Communication commended IMPR for its role in shaping national discourse through the lecture series, describing it as a platform that strengthens dialogue on economic reform, digital transformation, and professional excellence.

The well-attended event brought together policymakers, academics, PR professionals, security officials, and digital specialists, reaffirming IMPR?s reputation as both a media powerhouse and a catalyst for Nigeria?s digital future. (By PRNigeria)

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