TLDR: The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have lauded Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) for its pioneering adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public relations. This commendation came during the 3rd Annual Economic Confidential Public Lecture, where NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, emphasized AI’s potential to drive Nigeria’s economic growth and digital transformation. IMPR showcased its use of AI for audience analysis, media monitoring, and crisis detection, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging technology for national development.
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have jointly praised Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) for its innovative integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into public relations practices. This recognition was a highlight of the 3rd Annual Economic Confidential Public Lecture held in Abuja on August 27, 2025, an event that underscored AI and digital innovation as crucial drivers for Nigeria’s future prosperity.
Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of NITDA, delivered the keynote address, asserting that AI presents a ‘historic opportunity’ for Nigeria to overcome traditional development barriers. He projected that AI could automate up to 30 percent of economic tasks, potentially boosting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by as much as 20 percent. Inuwa illustrated AI’s tangible benefits with the story of a Kaduna farmer who, by utilizing an AI-powered advisory application, successfully doubled her crop yield through optimized planting cycles and fertilizer application. “This is the promise of AI: turning uncertainty into opportunity and poverty into prosperity,” Inuwa stated.
NITDA’s comprehensive digital transformation agenda includes the development of a National AI Strategy, the restructuring of the National Centre for AI and Robotics, and active support for over 45 AI startups under the Nigeria AI Research Scheme. The agency is also fostering global partnerships with tech giants like Google and collaborating with Nigerian universities to accelerate AI adoption. Inuwa highlighted Nigeria’s significant comparative advantages, including over 130 million internet users, a median age of 17, and one of Africa’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, positioning the country to lead the continent’s digital revolution. He further mentioned initiatives such as ‘Digital Literacy for All’ (DL4All), which has trained over 300,000 Nigerians, and the ‘3 Million Technical Talent’ (3MTT) programme, designed to create two million digital jobs in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision. Inuwa concluded, “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.”
Speaking at the event, Yushau A. Shuaib, Editor-in-Chief of Economic Confidential and founder of IMPR, elaborated on how AI is revolutionizing journalism and public relations in Nigeria. He noted that ‘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.’ IMPR actively deploys AI for sophisticated audience analysis, efficient media monitoring, content automation, and early crisis detection. Shuaib also announced the upcoming second edition of the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship, a program aimed at training emerging communicators in journalism, AI, and strategic media engagement.
Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the NIPR, represented by Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon, urged all stakeholders to collaborate in harnessing digital innovation for national development, cautioning that ‘nations that fail to embrace the digital revolution risk being left behind.’ He also commended the three new books unveiled by IMPR staff at the lecture, describing them as ‘tools for shaping informed conversations and evidence-based decision-making.’
Tope Fasuan, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, provided an economic overview, noting Nigeria’s diversifying economy driven by the services sector, including fintech, e-commerce, and Nollywood. However, he highlighted structural weaknesses such as a shrinking manufacturing base (16.7% of GDP), a large informal sector (42.5%), and a declining per capita income ($1,095 in 2024). Fasuan recommended formalizing the digital economy through supportive regulation, revitalizing manufacturing and agro-processing by reducing infrastructure costs, and investing in human capital through digital literacy and vocational training.
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The well-attended lecture brought together a diverse group of policymakers, academics, PR professionals, security officials, and digital specialists, solidifying IMPR’s reputation as a media powerhouse and a significant catalyst for Nigeria’s digital future.
