By Kingsley I. Ilechukwu, Bureau Chief, South West

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE has emphasized the potential for increased efficiency and effectiveness in Nigeria’s security sector through collaboration between the security industry and the startup ecosystem.

Mallam Abdullahi made these remarks while hosting the Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Alhaji A. S Adeleke, represented by Deputy Commandant D. E Egbeji.

The visit included faculty members and participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC 17) with the theme “Artificial Intelligence, Security, and Emerging Economies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects,” held at the eGovernment Training Centre (eGTC), Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Kubwa, Abuja.

Abdullahi highlighted the unique approaches of the security and information technology (IT) sectors, noting that collaboration could harness the vast opportunities offered by IT, including the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies to strengthen the security sector.

“The way you do things in Security is different from the way we do things in the Information Technology (IT) sector but if we can work together, we can make things better by utilitising the numerous opportunities that IT offers leverage AI, IoT and Emerging technologies in strengthening the security sector,” he said

Regarding AI, Abdullahi asserted that it was a driving force globally, dispelling common misconceptions by emphasising its role in simplifying tasks, providing quick answers, and offering solutions.

He categorized AI into three types based on capability: Narrow Intelligence, General AI, and Deep Learning AI. Narrow Intelligence involves machines outperforming humans in specific tasks, General AI can learn and apply knowledge, and Deep Learning AI uses neural networks, akin to the human brain.

Expanding on AI functionality, the NITDA DG delineated four categories: Reactive Machines, Limited Memory, Theory of Mind, and Self-Awareness. Reactive Machines operate solely on given data, lacking the ability to remember past information; Limited Memory can store and utilise historical data for predictive analysis, while Theory of Mind involves systems capable of understanding human behaviour.

He added that the NITDA actively supported AI growth in Nigeria through initiatives like the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the ongoing development of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy.

Expressing openness to strategic collaboration, he highlighted that such partnerships aligned with the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), particularly the pillar focused on forging strategic partnerships and collaborations. He emphasized that synergistic relationships would amplify Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence.

“We are open to strategic collaboration as it aligns with a pillar of the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) which is to Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration. And synergistic relationships will amplify Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence,”  he added.

In response,  Alhaji  Adeleke expressed the institute’s intent to learn from NITDA’s experience, seeking valuable insights to inform an executive brief for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. According to him, this brief aimed to contribute to policy formulation and implementation.

“We are here to share from your experience and to gather all we can from the beginning of the course, because at the end of the course we are expected to make an executive brief to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR that will aid policy formulation and implementation,” Adeleke said.

In his earlier comments, the Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Aristotle Onumo offered a comprehensive overview detailing the evolutionary journey of NITDA from its inception to the present day. He delved into the agency’s historical milestones, charting its growth, development, and transformative initiatives over the years.

He underscored the role NITDA has played in shaping and steering the trajectory of information technology and development in Nigeria, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation, digital literacy, and technological advancement.