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Inuwa, DG NITDA Cautions on AI as Nigeria Seeks Inclusive Global Governance
Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has emphasized on the dual nature of artificial intelligence (AI) as both an opportunity and a challenge.
Represented by Mr. Emmanuel Edet, Director of Standard Guidelines and Framework, NITDA, while delivering a keynote speech on the third day of Nigeria Fintech Week, said: “We must consider not just the immense potential of artificial intelligence, but also our responsibility in shaping their development and employment,”.
Speaking on the topic: Global AI Regulation: The Role Of Africa And The Global South, the Director General stated that while AI presents unparalleled opportunities for growth, innovation, and problem-solving, it also poses unique challenges requiring careful consideration and proactive measures.
He pointed out, “As we witness the rapid deployment of AI technologies, primarily in the global north, it is crucial that we, the nations of Africa and the global south, assert our place in this evolving landscape.”
He stressed that participation in this AI revolution is not merely beneficial but essential to ensure that AI serves the interests of all humanity, rather than just a privileged few in advanced countries.
Dr. Abdullahi noted that the regulatory landscape for AI is still in its infancy. “While nations like the United States, China, and the European Union are making strides in developing AI governance frameworks, this effort often reflects their specific contexts and priorities,” he explained. “However, AI’s impact will be global; it is already global, and its regulation must be global as well.”
He elaborated on the complexities of AI, saying, “As with most powerful technologies, AI presents both opportunities and challenges. Issues of data privacy, algorithmic bias, job displacement, and geopolitical competition underscore the need for a clear, fair, and inclusive regulatory regime.”
He asserted that the voices of the global south, particularly Africa, must be at the heart of these discussions to ensure that regulations consider diverse cultural, economic, and social contexts.
“The challenges and opportunities presented by AI in Lagos, Nairobi, or Johannesburg may differ significantly from those in Silicon Valley or even Shanghai,” he noted, stressing the need for targeted solutions that reflect local realities.
Dr. Abdullahi called for collective advocacy from Africa and the global south for inclusivity in global AI governance. He stated, “Our unique context and challenges—such as infrastructure gaps, education systems, and social values—must be considered.”
Speaking further, he outlined some of NITDA’s initiatives to ensure a solid AI framework in Nigeria. “As DG of NITDA, my driving force for the first AI revolution has been the development of the national AI strategy and the establishment of the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics,” he said. “These aim to foster research and development of AI and to create a transforming and inclusive AI ecosystem.”
Speaking on NITDA’s focus on promoting responsible AI deployment, Dr. Abdullahi said “We are dedicated to advancing sustainable development, investing in research and development infrastructure, and creating a robust AI governance framework,” he affirmed, placing a focus on the role of collaboration among stakeholders. “We must form strategic alliances to amplify our authentic voice in global AI models, group organisations, and the African Union.”
Giving a solid closing statement, he said, “While Africa and the global south may not currently be at the forefront of AI nations, we have a critical role today in shaping its regulatory future. Together, we can shift and react.”
Google and UpSkill Universe, Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading AI and business skills training partner, have announced a major redesign of the Google Hustle Academy programme.
For the first time, the free training initiative is open to everyone, not just business owners. The new curriculum is focused on equipping individuals and entrepreneurs with practical AI skills.
Small businesses are the engine of Africa’s economy, creating over 80% of jobs on the continent. To help them grow, the Hustle Academy was launched in 2022, providing bootcamp-style training on business strategy, digital skills, AI, and leadership. The program has since trained over 18,000 SMEs, with many reporting increased revenue and job creation.
Now, as AI reshapes the job market, the program is evolving. The 2026 edition is built for anyone in Sub-Saharan Africa, including employees, students, and jobseekers, who wants to use AI to advance their career.
To meet the needs of a diverse audience, the new format includes short, 60-minute webinars and more immersive, high-impact bootcamps. These sessions are laser-focused on putting AI to work immediately in areas like digital commerce, marketing, and growth strategy.
Speaking about the academy, Gori Yahaya, Founder & CEO UpSkill Universe said “The 2026 Hustle Academy is designed to close the AI Skills gap with hands-on training that is short, focused, and immediately useful. AI is reshaping how businesses win and how careers are built, right across this continent.
“We’re excited to renew our partnership, now in its fifth year with Google, combining their global AI leadership with our deep regional AI expertise. The next wave of AI leaders will come from this continent. We are making sure they are ready.”
The Hustle Academy initiative has strengthened digital competitiveness across emerging African economies by enabling SMEs to move beyond AI awareness to practical implementation, positioning them for sustained growth in an increasingly AI-driven business environment.
“We believe that the future of Africa’s digital economy lies in the hands of individuals and entrepreneurs alike. Our new strategy focuses on scaling reach by training individuals in the latest AI-centered tools and techniques,” said a Google representative.
Lagos State has dragged 45 individuals and firms, including Bi-Courtney Aviation, DAAR Communications and Leaders & Company, to revenue court for tax debts running into billions of naira.
Lagos Govt
Bi-Courtney, operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, faces N38.7 million claim; DAAR, behind Africa Independent Television, owes N22.4 million; ThisDay publishers Leaders & Company allegedly skip N67.1 million.
GMT Energy Resources tops corporates at N145.8 million, followed by Sheriff Deputies at N132.1 million; others like Heyden Petroleum, AA Rescue, BRT operator Primero also listed.
Individuals owe N13.5 million to N35 million each.
Attorney-General Lawal Pedro said suits followed ignored notices, aiming to enforce laws and fund infrastructure.
More defendants: IENG Nigeria, James Fisher, V Care Diagnostics, Venture Garden, Saro Africa, Barry Callebaut, Native Media, First Consulting, Eyowo Payments.
Compliant taxpayers post-notice escaped prosecution; defaulters risk penalties, interest, jail.
Pedro urged prompt filings and payments.
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians on counterfeit and unregistered Cerelac Mixed Fruits and Wheat products being sold in Lagos.
NAFDAC said Nestle Nigeria, the genuine Marketing Authorisation Holder of the product, received a complaint of suspected counterfeit purportedly manufactured by Nestlé Spain, bearing Batch Code 308002910.
It said that Nestle Nigeria reported that the complainant described that the counterfeit product emitted an odour suggestive of possible contact with fuel.
NAFDAC said that preliminary review of the product by Nestle Nigeria indicated that it had expired, in spite of the container displaying an expiry date of 10-2026, which suggested that the date coding had been tampered with (revalidated).
Nestle Cerelac Mixed Fruits and Wheat is a nutritious infant cereal, designed to be a delicious first food for infants.
NAFDAC said that its post-marketing surveillance’s directorate officers in Lagos conducted a surveillance visit to Maxland Shopping Centre, 193 Ago Palace, Okota, where the product was purchased by the complainant.
It added that the suspected counterfeit and unregistered Cerelac were found on sale at the premises and subsequently mopped up, while Nestle assisted in identifying the distinguishing features between registered and unregistered product.
According to the regulatory agency, Nestle revealed that the unregistered product used a hyphen (-) to separate the day from the year, while the registered product used a slash (/) to separate the day from the year.
“It is important to note that Nestle Nigeria is not aware of the channels through which the products are supplied into the country.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or send an email to [email protected],” NAFDAC said.
The agency warned that counterfeit formula often lacked essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, leading to stunted growth or developmental issues.
It said that such formula might also contain contaminants that might lead to severe health consequences to infants or even death.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health adding that it would continue surveillance activities to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of all NAFDAC-regulated products circulating in Nigeria.
It said that all zonal directors of the agency and state coordinators had been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the revalidated product, if found within the zones and states.
The agency urged distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain, to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of fake products.
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