Government advisers, ITC experts and scholars on Wednesday urged Nigerians to embrace digital innovation such as Artificial intelligence ( AI) as the frontier of economic transformation and Gross Domestic Product ,GDP.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual Economic Confidential Lecture in Abuja themed “Agenda for a Digital Global Economy”, they urged all sectors of the Nigeria economy to embrace the use of Artificial intelligence ( AI) for accelerated economic growth.
The Special Adviser to the President on Economy in the office of the Vice President Dr Tope Fasuwa, represented by Aremu Olayinka Elijah reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to recalibrating Nigeria’s economy.
He emphasized that rebased economic data confirms measurable progress, noting that “we are shifting from traditional models to a tech-driven future.” The service sector, he said, is proving to be a “tremendous equalizer” in the new economy.
Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa said that President Bola Tinubu Renew Hope Agenda targeting One Trillion Dollars Economy by 2030 is achievable.
In a keynote address Kashifu Inuwa declared that the digital economy has the potential to drive 20 per cent GDP growth, if strategically harnessed.
He emphasized that artificial intelligence is no longer optional but essential:“Those who fail to upskill will be replaced. AI can free up 20 per cent of time for higher productivity. Nations leading in AI will lead the world.”
Inuwa added that Nigeria cannot afford to miss the Fourth Industrial Revolution, after losing out on the first, second and three.
He said there are ongoing collaborations with the Ministry of Education to build digital literacy into Nigeria educational system and to embed it into national curriculum from primary school upwards adding that Collaboration is ongoing with the office of head of service of the federation to enhance civil service training .
“Market women can now connect with customers through mobile tech. But as we connect, we must also protect, and cybersecurity is a critical pillar.”
The event also featured the launch of three groundbreaking books:”Renewed Hope in Central Banking ” by Rahman Oladosu; “Healing Nigeria: Chronicle of Health Reforms” by Lawal Mamman and Maimuna Aliyu and “Diplomacy and Digital Innovation: Youth Insight” by Fatimah Usman
The organiser of the lecture; Yushau A. Shuaib, CEO of Nigeria economic confidential noted in his remark that these works are critical tools for evidence-based policy and decision-making.
On his part, a representative of the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Afolabi Olujuwon warned : “Nations that fail to embrace the digital revolution will be left behind. Nigeria must not only adopt technology — we must become exporters of it.”