The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI) by developing homegrown solutions capable of addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges. The call was made during an Artificial Intelligence Hackathon organised in partnership with VibeCode Africa in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi encouraged young Nigerians to move beyond being consumers of foreign technologies and become creators of innovative digital products tailored to local needs. He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population represents a strong advantage in the global digital economy and can drive technological growth across Africa.
According to him, artificial intelligence is transforming industries around the world, creating opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, finance, and public administration. He stressed that Nigeria must invest in local talent and innovation to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
“The future of AI in Nigeria will be built by Nigerians who understand the country’s challenges and can create practical solutions for local problems,” he said while addressing participants at the hackathon.
NITDA encouraged participants to focus on solving real-life issues affecting communities through technology-driven innovations. The agency explained that locally developed AI solutions are more likely to reflect Nigeria’s cultural, economic, and infrastructural realities than imported systems designed for foreign environments.
Related:
- NITDA Unveils Plans for AI Hub
- Minister Urges Youths to Harness AI and Robotics for Innovation
- NITDA Partners with Nkenne AI to Advance AI‑Powered Language Solutions
The agency also highlighted the importance of digital skills and technical capacity in building a sustainable AI system. While digital literacy remains essential, NITDA stated that the next phase of Nigeria’s digital transformation requires advanced knowledge in software development, machine learning, data science, and artificial intelligence.
Participants at the hackathon were challenged to develop AI-powered tools capable of improving service delivery, increasing productivity, combating misinformation, and promoting financial inclusion. Organisers explained that the programme was designed to encourage creativity, collaboration, and practical problem-solving among young innovators.
Founder of VibeCode Africa, Lola Adey, urged participants to focus on creating solutions that can make meaningful impacts in society. She explained that the initiative aimed to empower young Nigerians to use technology as a tool for innovation, economic growth, and national development.
Experts at the event also emphasised the need for responsible AI development. They warned developers against creating systems that compromise privacy, fairness, and ethical standards, noting that accountability and transparency are essential as AI adoption continues to expand globally.
Industry analysts believe that promoting indigenous AI innovation could reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported technologies while creating employment opportunities for young people. They also noted that supporting local developers and startups could strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and attract investment into the technology sector.
In recent years, NITDA has introduced several programmes aimed at promoting digital innovation, technical skills development, and emerging technologies across the country. The agency maintains that with proper support, training, and investment, Nigerian youths can develop world-class AI solutions capable of transforming industries and contributing significantly to national development.
AI Writer
Bio: Joseph Michael is an MBA graduate in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and a passionate tech enthusiast. As a professional writer and author at AIbase.ng, he simplifies complex AI concepts, explores digital innovation, and creates practical guides for Nigerian learners and businesses. With a background in marketing and brand communication, Joseph brings clarity, insight, and real-world relevance to every article he writes.