Nigeria and the United States Strengthen Partnership on Digital Cooperation
Nigeria and the United States have reiterated their dedication to enhancing collaboration in the realms of data privacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. This initiative is poised to fortify trust and resilience within Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, articulated these sentiments during the Nigeria Data Privacy Capacity Building Workshop. This event was orchestrated by the U.S. Department of State in conjunction with the Nigerian Mission and pivotal stakeholders from the digital sector.
Inuwa characterized the workshop as a quintessential illustration of the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. in promoting digital and technical development.
He asserted that it signifies a concerted and ongoing effort by both nations to collaboratively tackle emerging digital challenges and opportunities.
He recalled the bilateral agreement established in April 2024 within the U.S.–Nigeria Binational Commission framework, which emphasized cooperation on issues pertaining to data privacy, AI, cybersecurity, capacity building, and broader digital development initiatives.
“This partnership has evolved into tangible actions, including the co-hosting of an Artificial Intelligence Conference by the Nigerian government and the U.S. Mission, alongside engagements with U.S. cybersecurity firms to explore collaborations aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s technical ecosystem,” Inuwa noted.
He underscored that NITDA’s focus on data privacy, AI, and cybersecurity policies is propelled by the imperative to cultivate trust within the digital ecosystem.
“Trust functions as a vital enabler of digital transformation. Its absence stifles innovation and inflates costs, whereas its presence fosters growth and diminishes barriers,” he emphasized.
According to Inuwa, the cultivation of a sustainable digital economy necessitates deliberate efforts to protect data privacy, enhance security frameworks, and implement AI responsibly.
“AI is reliant on data, data mandates privacy, and privacy can only be guaranteed through robust cybersecurity measures,” he asserted.
Additionally, Inuwa disclosed plans to elevate Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Conference to an international platform later this year.
Following U.S. participation in the 2025 edition, the expanded conference will offer American cybersecurity firms opportunities to showcase their solutions, deepen partnerships with Nigerian enterprises, and further reinforce Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape.
Source link: Opinionnigeria.com.
