FG-Google Collaboration to Propel Nigeria’s Digital Transformation –Kashifu

The Federal Government’s partnership with Google is poised to transform Nigeria into a leading technology hub, according to Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

During a televised interview in Lagos on Thursday, Inuwa emphasized that the collaboration focuses on five critical areas: infrastructure development, expansion of digital skills, artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, cloud adoption, and a structured investment framework.

He highlighted that this partnership aims to create a sustainable digital ecosystem, accelerating Nigeria’s technological advancement and economic growth.

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Inuwa outlined that the initiative sets a clear roadmap for strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy. He underscored the importance of data centers in this process, emphasizing the need to localize sensitive data for both governmental and private sector use.

“Data centers are moving off-grid and adopting green energy solutions to achieve carbon credit compliance. This approach is part of our broader digital framework,” he explained.

The NITDA DG also stressed the importance of equipping Nigeria’s workforce with digital skills and integrating digital literacy into the education system from primary to tertiary levels. He noted that a digitally skilled population is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the partnership.

Addressing reports of a separate collaboration with Awari Technologies, Inuwa clarified that the initiative with Awari operates under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and is distinct from the Google partnership. The Awari project focuses on developing a large language model tailored to Nigeria to promote indigenous languages and cultural heritage.

Earlier this week, Google CEO Sundar Pichai met with President Bola Tinubu in Paris to discuss expanding AI skills in Nigeria.

“We discuss the vast potential of AI in Nigeria and how we can collaborate to expand AI education, drive innovation, and support Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem,” Pichai stated after the meeting.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized that the meeting reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to AI development and Google’s continued investment in AI skills and innovation across key sectors.

In 2023, Google announced two AI-focused initiatives in collaboration with the Nigerian government, aiming to equip citizens with AI expertise and foster technological growth in the country.