TLDR: Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called on Nigerian business leaders to view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a collaborative ‘thought partner’ rather than a threat. Speaking at the BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeria, Inuwa emphasized that AI will augment human capabilities, drive innovation, and create competitive advantages by automating repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on creativity and strategy. He also highlighted NITDA’s proactive approach to AI regulation through collaborative policy development.
Lagos, Nigeria – The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has strongly urged Nigerian business leaders to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a strategic partner for innovation and economic growth, rather than perceiving it as a threat to human employment. Inuwa delivered this pivotal message during a high-level panel session titled “Builders of the New Nigeria – Stories of Scale, Grit, and Innovation” at the BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeria, held in Lagos on July 12, 2025.
Challenging conventional fears surrounding AI, Inuwa encouraged CEOs and entrepreneurs to embrace the technology as a ‘thought partner’ capable of generating novel ideas, unlocking new business models, and enhancing competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy. “I see artificial intelligence not just as a tool, but as a thought partner,” Inuwa stated. He further elaborated, “We must move beyond the fear that AI will replace us. Instead, we should recognize that AI is here to augment human potential.”
Inuwa clarified that while AI can outperform humans in specific tasks, its primary function is not to replace human workers outright. Instead, he explained, AI is poised to take over repetitive processes and skills currently relied upon in many industries. This shift necessitates that business leaders reposition themselves at the center of this technological evolution. “The key is to reposition yourself in a world where AI handles routine tasks, allowing humans to focus on creativity, strategy, and complex decision-making,” he advised.
To effectively harness AI, Inuwa recommended that businesses assign defined roles to AI tools, such as digital assistants, virtual doctors, legal analysts, or even business co-founders. This contextual and purposeful integration, he noted, would lead to more meaningful and productive outcomes. However, he also issued a caution against blind reliance on AI, emphasizing that while these systems are powerful, they should be treated as potentially flawed until proven otherwise. “Always approach AI as the worst version of itself until it proves to be accurate, ethical,” he warned.
NITDA’s approach to AI regulation, as highlighted by Inuwa, involves a collaborative strategy with the private sector. The agency is committed to testing and co-creating solutions through ‘policy labs’ before rolling out comprehensive frameworks or regulations. This progressive method, according to Inuwa, enables NITDA to develop evidence-based policies that promote innovation while simultaneously ensuring public safety. Rather than imposing blanket restrictions driven by fear, the agency encourages experimentation with emerging technologies in safe, controlled environments, thereby gaining insights that inform future regulatory frameworks.
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The BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeria served as a crucial platform, bringing together influential business executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the country. The event facilitated high-impact conversations on strategies for business resilience, digital transformation, and scaling enterprises within Nigeria’s dynamic economic landscape. Panelists shared personal stories of perseverance, discussed growth strategies, and explored how technologies like AI, digital payments, and data analytics are shaping Nigeria’s future economy.
