NITDA DG promotes AI as crucial tool for national security

Joy Agwunobi

Kashifu Inuwa, director-general  of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for closer collaboration between the security industry and the startup ecosystem in order to harness the power of  Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve national security.  

Inuwa made this call during a meeting with A. S. Adeleke, the commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), who was represented by D. E. Egbeji, the deputy commandant. 

The NITDA DG emphasised the different approaches of the security and IT sectors, and how collaboration could help to harness the vast opportunities offered by IT, such as AI, the internet of things (IoT), and other emerging technologies, to enhance the security sector. 

“If we can join forces, we can make great strides in leveraging the many opportunities provided by IT, including AI, IoT, and other cutting-edge technologies, to enhance the security sector,” he said.

According to Inuwa,  AI is a powerful force that has the potential to transform how we live and work. While misconceptions about the technology abound, Inuwa emphasised the benefits of AI, noting that it can simplify tasks, provide quick responses, and deliver solutions.

He categorised AI into three types based on capabilities: Narrow Intelligence, which allows machines to perform specific tasks better than humans; General AI, which can learn and apply knowledge across different domains; and Deep Learning AI, which uses neural networks similar to those of the human brain.

Inuwa went on to describe four distinct categories of AI: Reactive Machines act only on data presented to them, and lack the ability to remember past information. Limited Memory systems can store and use historical data for predictive analysis, while Theory of Mind involves systems that understand human behaviour. Self-Awareness, the most advanced category, refers to systems that can understand themselves and their place in the world.

He added that NITDA supports  AI growth in Nigeria through initiatives like the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy. 

Inuwa expressed his willingness to forge strategic partnerships, noting that such collaborations are a key component of the  NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), specifically the pillar focused on forging strategic partnerships and collaborations. He emphasised that these partnerships would amplify Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence.

“We are open to strategic collaborations as they align with one of the pillars of the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which is to forge strategic partnerships and collaborations. These synergistic relationships will enhance Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence,” he noted. 

In response to the discussions,  A.S. Adeleke,  the Commandant of NISS, expressed the institute’s eagerness to learn from NITDA’s experience and gather valuable insights for an executive brief. The brief is intended to inform policy formulation and implementation.