The Federal Government has reiterated commitment to promoting ethical artificial intelligence (AI) development and digital governance across Africa, pledging to lead the continent’s efforts in building inclusive, research-driven, and responsible technology systems.
The commitment was restated at the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) 2025, in Abuja, according to a statement made available on Wednesday by National Information Technology Development Agency’s(NITDA), spokesperson, Mrs Hadiza Umar.
The global conference, co-chaired by the Rector of the United Nations University and UN Under-Secretary-General, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, and Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, convened leading academics, policymakers, and industry experts to shape the future of digital governance.
In his address, Prof. Marwala emphasised that artificial intelligence must be developed responsibly to ensure no community or continent is left behind.
“Artificial intelligence must be designed so that it does not leave anyone behind. AI will remain suboptimal until it works equally for all people, including Africans,” he said.
He called for greater transparency, accountability, and participation in the development of AI, urging nations to democratize access and decision-making in technology governance.
Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Bosun Tijani highlighted the importance of balancing innovation, research, and regulation, noting that Nigeria aims to create a digital governance model that prioritises ethics and inclusivity.
“Digital technologies must not only drive innovation but also strengthen social inclusion. If our ideas are driven solely by profit or politics, we end up with regulations that react to innovation instead of guiding it,” he stated.
The Minister introduced the concept of a “Source Balance Ratio”a framework demonstrating how diverse ideas from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector can shape policy that serves the common good.
Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa described ICEGOV 2025 as a milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, saying it aligns with the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint: Accelerating the Nation’s Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency.
He outlined ongoing national initiatives, including the National Digital Literacy Framework, the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, and the development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and a Centre of Excellence for Digital Governance.
“Digital transformation is about people, not just technology. Governance must meet citizens where they are — online. Our goal is to build trust, efficiency, and better service experiences,” Inuwa said.
Other dignitaries present included the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack (represented by Mrs. Fatima S.T. Mahmood); and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaibu Afolabi Salisu and Hon. Stanley Adedeji, among others.
In their goodwill messages, they commended Nigeria’s leadership in advancing digital governance and AI ethics, describing the country’s commitment as a model for the continent.
The conference theme, “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion,” underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in the global digital policy space and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive governance, innovation, and sustainable development.
