ICSC 2026: NITDA unveils AI-driven transformation plan, urges responsible adoption

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, at the International Civil Service Conference 2026, urges Nigerian public institutions and organisations to adopt Artificial Intelligence responsibly, while prioritising human accountability, policy frameworks, and digital skills development for long-term efficiency, productivity and sustainability

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In a move to reposition public institutions and organisations for long-term efficiency, continuity and productivity, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged Nigerian Civil Service to embrace and adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly, while prioritising human accountability, policy frameworks, and digital skills development.

ConsumerConnect reports Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, said this while speaking at the International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) 2026, held at the Eagles Square in Abuja, FCT.

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Inuwa, represented at the forum by Dr Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnership department, disclosed that the Agency has already begun implementing a comprehensive AI Transformation Plan designed to reposition the organisation for long-term institutional efficiency, continuity, and productivity.

The Director-General of NITDA also stated that the three-year transformation initiative is aimed at creating a digitally-driven institutions where operations could continue seamlessly regardless of personnel changes.

Inuwa: How AI integrated into NITDA’s internal workflow processes works

Inuwa averred: “In NITDA as an agency, we have what we call the AI Transformation Plan. It is a kind of three-year plan which we have put in place so that even if the current staff are replaced completely, new personnel should be able to interact with the system and continue work without hindrance.”

The Chief Executive of the Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency further explained that NITDA has already integrated AI into its internal workflow processes, particularly in document management and task tracking.

According to him, official documents submitted to the agency are now scanned immediately at the gate and automatically routed by AI systems to the responsible officers, based on identified keywords and subject areas at NITDA.

Inuwa as well revealed the AI infrastructure also monitors timelines and flags delays where officers fail to attend to official correspondence within stipulated periods.

Stated he: “All that is required now is to drop documents at the gate. AI scans and routes them to the appropriate officers. If such documents are not treated within the required timeframe, the system flags them and reports accordingly.”

Acknowledging concerns surrounding AI adoption in the Nigerian digital ecosystem, particularly fears about job displacement, and related issues in the economy, the NITDA Chief emphasised that the new technology (AI) should be viewed as a tool for improving productivity rather than a threat to human relevance in the country.

He noted: “There is always this fear that AI is coming to take away jobs, especially in the public service.

“But I want to state clearly that the jobs of people who refuse to upskill themselves may eventually be affected. However, those willing to retrain and adapt will benefit immensely from AI.”

On workforce transition concerns

In order to address workforce transition concerns, Inuwa also revealed that NITDA has commenced agency-wide AI capacity building programmes for all staff members. According to him, employees whose traditional roles are being transformed by automation are being reassigned and redesignated into emerging AI-related functions.

“We have ensured that everyone undergoes AI training. Those who previously handled manual file operations have now been redesignated as AI assistants and AI administrators.

“We are preparing our workforce for the future rather than replacing them.”

The Director-General of the agency further stressed the importance of maintaining human oversight in AI deployment, warning against the complete removal of human intelligence and accountability from governance systems.

He cautioned: “You must not take away human monitoring and accountability in any AI implementation process. At the end of the day, someone must remain accountable.”

On peculiarities of government deployment of AI

As regards AI governance and regulation in the Nigeria Digital Economy ecosystem, Inuwa urged all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to develop internal AI policies capable of defining clear operational boundaries for the technology.

According to him, government deployment of AI differs significantly from private sector usage because public institutions must bear responsibility for any AI-related failures or ethical breaches.

He stressed the need for robust governance frameworks to guide responsible AI use, protect citizens’ rights, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Inuwa warned: “We must ensure that whatever we use AI for aligns with data protection regulations and responsible use principles. Without proper frameworks, data misuse could become more prevalent and destructive.”

He also highlighted the agency’s broader efforts at driving national AI adoption, following the development of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy (NAIS).

He described NAIS as one of the most forward-looking digital policy documents in the West African country.

He equally stated that NITDA is currently using the Agency as a practical AI sandbox to test implementation models before wider deployment across the public service ecosystem.

As part of efforts at deepening digital capacity across government institutions, he disclosed that NITDA is collaborating with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF) to train civil servants in digital literacy and AI-related competencies.

Inuwa, therefore, restated that the future workforce must embrace continuous learning and adaptability to remain relevant in an increasingly AI-driven world.

The Chief Executive of NITDA asserted: “AI has not come to replace people completely. But those who refuse to develop their skills may struggle to fit into the evolving technology ecosystem.”

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