New Techs: AI not a threat but partner in innovation, digital economy –Inuwa, NITDA CEO

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, urges business leaders to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a ‘collaborative partner’ in driving innovation and economic growth, rather than view the tool as a threat to human jobs

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Contrary to certain notion by some, that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a mere “automation tool”, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged Nigerian business leaders to integrate AI into their operations.

ConsumerConnect reports NITDA emphasised that AI is not as a replacement for human input, but a veritable collaborator to unlock new levels of productivity and creativity in business organisations.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the agency, stated this while speaking at a high-level panel session titled, “Builders of the New Nigeria – Stories of Scale, Grit, and Innovation”, during the BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeria, held in Lagos.

Inuwa also urged business leaders to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a collaborative partner in driving innovation and economic growth, rather than viewing it as a threat to human jobs.

He pointedly challenged the conventional notion of AI as merely an automation tool.

Inuwa: AI not just a technology tool but a thought partner

The Director-General of NITDA encouraged Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and business leaders to view AI as a thought partner and strategic ally in generating innovative ideas, discovering new business models, and creating competitive advantages in a rapidly evolving global economy.

He further stated: “I see Artificial Intelligence not just as a tool, but as a thought partner.”

Inuwa equally urged business leaders to integrate AI into their operations, not as “a replacement for human input”, but as “a collaborator” that can unlock new levels of productivity and creativity.

According to him, while AI can outperform humans in certain tasks, its primary function should not be seen as replacing human workers.

Inuwa stated that the new technology instead, is poised to take over specific processes and skills currently relied upon to accomplish routine tasks.

The NITDA Chief Executive said this paradigm shift requires business leaders to reposition themselves at the centre of this technological evolution.

He averred: “The key is to position yourself at the centre of this collaboration.

“Yes, AI can outperform humans in many tasks, but it will not replace you or me.

“What AI will replace are the skills and processes we rely on today to perform our work.”

Inuwa as well stressed need for business CEOs and decision-makers to proactively redefine their roles in an AI-driven world by evolving their capabilities to work effectively alongside intelligent systems.

He highlighted the importance of learning how to collaborate with AI, rather than competing against it, as the surest way to remain relevant and successful in the digital age.

How to get the best of AI, by Director-General

Explaining the way by which business leaders can make the best of Artificial Intelligence, Inuwa advised businesses to approach AI systems by assigning them specific roles or personae, based on the context of their usage.

Whether as a virtual lawyer, doctor, co-founder, or advisor, he said, assigning a clear role to AI makes its interaction with humans more purposeful and productive.

Despite his optimism about AI’s potential, the NITDA Chief Executive cautioned that AI systems must be approached with vigilance.

On importance of policy labs test for AI technologies 

Inuwa warned business leaders not to assume AI is always accurate or ethical by default.

According to him, AI should always be treated as the “worst version” of itself until it proves otherwise.”

He noted: “This is where government’s role becomes critical.

“As regulators, we need to create policy labs where we can test AI technologies in safe, controlled environments. “We must evaluate them thoroughly to ensure they are safe, ethical, and reliable.”

Inuwa disclosed NITDA has adopted a progressive regulatory approach centered on collaboration, experimentation, and co-creation.

Rather than imposing restrictive regulations out of fear or uncertainty, the agency works hand-in-hand with innovators, startups, and the private sector to experiment with emerging technologies like AI.

The insights gained from such collaborative initiatives help government agencies like NITDA establish clear, evidence-based benchmarks and policies that both support innovation and safeguard public interests.

He asserted: “This is our approach to regulation. Rather than rushing to regulate, based on fear, we collaborate with the private sector to experiment, learn, and build together.

“We co-create solutions, then use the lessons from these experiments to establish clear benchmarks that will inform future frameworks, guidelines, and regulations.”

The Director-General stated: “Nigeria is setting a precedent for balancing technological innovation with societal responsibility, enabling businesses to thrive while ensuring that new technologies benefit the broader society.

“Our aim is to create an environment where businesses can innovate responsibly, while ensuring society as a whole benefit from these new technologies.”

The BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeria attracted an influential audience of business executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the country.

The event served as a platform for high-impact conversations on scaling businesses, building resilience, and driving sustainable innovation in Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.

Throughout the session, panelists shared personal stories of perseverance, discussed strategies for business growth, and explored how technologies like AI, digital payments, and data analytics are shaping Nigeria’s future economy.

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