NITDA ,Cisco join forces to accelerate AI, smart agriculture

Joy Agwunobi 

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has formed an alliance with Cisco Systems Incorporation, projected to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and provide opportunities for innovation and growth.

The partnership will focus on implementing pilot projects in five critical areas which include:

– AI and Cybersecurity Experience and Incubation Center, focused  on repurposing the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) to create a world-class AI lab with a focus on cybersecurity; 

-Establishing a hub for innovation and development of broadband technologies.

-Setting up a demo farm to showcase the application of technology in agriculture.

-Designing and deploying hubs for technology learning and skills development.

– Incubating solutions for defence and national security.

Kashifu Inuwa, director general, NITDA, who addressed the gathering during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding at the NITDA headquarters in Abuja., reaffirmed the ministry’s  commitment to harnessing the potential of digitalisation in Nigeria. 

Inuwa emphasised the interdependence of AI and cybersecurity, stressing the crucial need for security considerations in AI development. He added that this necessitates upgrading the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) to a world-class AI lab, where AI can be developed with security in mind.

Regarding the second initiative outlined in the MoU,the NITDA DG stressed the role of broadband in driving digitisation and digital transformation. He noted  that broadband provides the essential connectivity for transformation, serving as the backbone of digital progress. Inuwa further explained that the establishment of the innovation hub will foster the development of affordable broadband solutions in Nigeria, leveraging cutting-edge technology. He noted further that local startups and companies will be encouraged to innovate and find solutions to achieve the country’s national broadband plan, which aims to attain 95 per cent  broadband coverage in Nigeria. 

“We need to be smart in the way we do things in order to achieve the target,”he added. 

Inuwa further stated that the smart agriculture initiative would improve food production and productivity in agriculture by utilising technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and others to enhance productivity. He noted that achieving food security, which is a priority area identified by the president, requires the cultivation of 500,000 acres of land, which can be accomplished efficiently and successfully through the application of technology.

Inuwa expressed the agency’s willingness to collaborate with Cisco to establish a pilot learning centre, which aligns with their mandate to deploy the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) technology to underserved and unserved areas. He mentioned that Cisco is already working with the IOM on a pilot project in Maiduguri, Borno State, to deploy three additional learning centres using Cisco technology additionally. He added that the agency’s interest in scaling up this initiative through partnership is to expand its reach to more underserved communities.

On his part, Clayton Naidoo, Cisco’s country director, stated that Cisco is a leader in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence and is committed to partnering with NCAIR to establish an experience centre in Nigeria. He emphasised that this partnership will bring numerous benefits to the country, including enhanced agricultural production, job creation, and increased financial stability for citizens. Naidoo explained that Cisco aims to leverage technology to drive economic growth and job creation in Nigeria, aligning with the country’s National Digital Agenda.

The country director also disclosed that Cisco has been working to understand the country’s strategic roadmap and action plan, which are in  alignment with Cisco’s programs, resources, technology, and investment, noting  that Cisco plans to implement pilot projects to  advance the acceleration of the country’s digital plan.