The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has launched the maiden edition of its Digital Tech Policy Forum to deliberate on the development of a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy framework for Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of CITAD, Malam Yunusa Zakari-Ya’u, said the Forum was conceived to provide a platform for sustained dialogue between policymakers, academia, and civil society on emerging digital policy matters.
The event, themed: “Towards a National AI Policy,” brought together policymakers, academics, and technology professionals to discuss ethical, governance, and infrastructural issues shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
“Our goal is to ensure that technology policy in Nigeria is not reactive but proactive.
“This Forum will serve as a bridge between research and policy, ensuring that innovations like AI are guided by ethics, inclusivity, and human-centered values.” Zakari-Ya’u said
He noted that the forum would be held monthly to address critical issues in digital governance, adding that a robust and inclusive national AI policy was vital for building public trust in technology-driven development.
The future of AI in Nigeria depends on our ability to build policies that are not just about technology but about people, trust, and shared prosperity.”Zakari-Ya’u said
Dr Hadiza Umar, Head of Department of Computer Science at Bayero University, Kano, noted that the rapid spread of AI technologies in the country required urgent policy intervention.
“AI is transforming every sector—from education to health and agriculture—but without regulation, it can also deepen inequality,” she said. “We need a roadmap that balances innovation with accountability.” She said
Also speaking, the former Chairman of the Kano Chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Engr. Rabi’u Haruna, emphasised the need for synergy among government, academia, and industry stakeholders.
“Policy without professional input will not work. The government must listen to experts and practitioners if we truly want an AI ecosystem that serves Nigerians rather than exploits them.”
Similarly, Dr. Sanah Abdullahi-Mu’az of the Department of Software Engineering, Bayero University Kano, cautioned against the misuse of AI in academic settings.
“We are already seeing AI-enabled plagiarism among students. Universities must adopt clear AI-use policies to protect the integrity of academic work while encouraging responsible innovation.”Abdullahi-Mu’az said
The Kano State Commissioner for Information, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim-Kofar Mata, disclosed that the state government had initiated a project to develop a Hausa-language AI chatbot.
“This initiative is about taking AI to our grassroots, We are building a tool that farmers, students, and traders can use in their own language to access vital information on health, education, and commerce.” He said
He added that the Ministry would assign a permanent representative to the forum and establish a committee to align AI policy discussions with state planning processes.
Participants at the forum identified several challenges affecting AI development in Nigeria, including the absence of a national policy framework, infrastructural deficits.
“Ethical concerns in academia and media, as well as issues of data privacy and algorithmic bias”
At the end of the meeting, participants resolved that Nigeria must move from being a passive consumer of imported AI technologies to becoming an active innovator and regulator in the global AI ecosystem.