The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting start-ups in advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) research in Nigeria.

This commitment was reiterated at the Innovate Nigeria 2024 Conference & Expo held at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy Department at NITDA, Inuwa expressed gratitude to Nova Tech for organizing the conference and highlighted its timeliness amid the rapid acceleration of AI’s transformative potential globally.

In addressing the role of government in AI research, Inuwa cited global examples such as the United States and China, where significant funds have been allocated for AI research, acknowledging its potential for innovation and economic growth. He emphasized the positive correlation between government investment and advancements in AI, projecting a market value surpassing $190 billion by 2025.

Inuwa outlined key initiatives by the Nigerian government in AI research, including direct investment in research and development, establishment of collaborative ecosystems, formulation of policies and regulations, fostering international collaboration, and supporting education and workforce development. These initiatives align with the government’s 8-point agenda, particularly emphasizing the creation of an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.

He stated, “The 7th agenda, which is Accelerating Diversification through Industrialization, Digitization, Creative Arts, Manufacturing, and Innovation resonates with the specific role of government in AI research upon which democratization of digital service to create more economic value anchors.”

NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan were highlighted as tools aiming to elevate the country’s AI research ranking and foster digital literacy and talent development. Inuwa emphasized the transformative potential of AI in driving economic prosperity and stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and the ecosystem for exploring new frontiers of knowledge.

He further highlighted NITDA’s subsidiary, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, as a resource open 24/7 to guide, nurture, and support startups throughout their journey from ideation to impact and commercialization.

In conclusion, Inuwa underscored the significance of collaboration and partnership frameworks to fund research, emphasizing the government’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant innovation ecosystem.

The House of Representatives, in a plenary session on Thursday, has urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the security architecture in the nation’s capital.

The resolution, arising from a motion titled “Need to investigate the decline of the Federal Capital Territory,” was moved by Mr. Oboku Oforji, representing Yenagoa-Kolokuma/Opokume Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State.

The motion addresses the escalating security challenges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping. Critics have raised concerns about Minister Nyesom Wike’s focus, attributing it to his alleged involvement in political turmoil in his home state of Rivers.

During the motion’s debate, Oforji highlighted the significance of Abuja as Nigeria’s capital, emphasizing its unique legislative powers vested in the National Assembly. He noted that the FCT, created in 1976, comprises six Area Councils—Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—spanning parts of old Kaduna, Kwara, Niger, and Plateau States.

Oforji also pointed out the administrative structure, with the FCT Minister overseeing the entire territory and the Federal Capital Development Authority concentrating on construction and infrastructure development.

Expressing concern over the state of infrastructure and living conditions, the House noted issues such as poor roads, unreliable electricity supply, inadequate healthcare facilities, ill-equipped hospitals, insufficient fire stations, limited water supply, and insecurity. The resolution acknowledges that over 60% of FCT residents reside outside Abuja Municipal Area Council, with particular areas facing challenges in infrastructure development.

The House highlighted the impact on civil servants, who regularly face traffic gridlock, leading to delayed arrival at work. The collapse of security in the FCT is evident through recurring incidents of armed robberies and kidnappings.

Consequently, the House has urged the IGP and FCT Minister to “rejig the security architecture of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.” Additionally, the Committee on FCT has been mandated to investigate the budgetary allocation of the FCT from 2021-2023 and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive, making the recitation of the National Pledge a mandatory practice after the National Anthem at all official and public engagements. Sources from the presidency indicate that this decision aims to foster absolute respect for national symbols, reinforce allegiance to the country, and uphold Nigeria’s core ethos.

The announcement was made during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Renewed Hope City, a 3,112 housing-unit project in Karsana, Abuja. President Tinubu emphasized the crucial role of respecting national values, promoting the nation’s ideals, and adhering to established norms.

“Before I left home this morning, I asked for a printout of the National Pledge, and we have to relaunch it again at this event. The relaunch is about being committed to the values, greatness, and hope of our country. It is our pledge to Nigeria, our country, to be faithful, loyal, and honest. To serve Nigeria with all your strength – we saw it on the field of play yesterday,” remarked President Tinubu.

He continued, expressing optimism and commitment to the country’s success despite challenges. “We did not say it will be Eldorado and smooth all the way. But we are confident that this country will excel in all ramifications. We will defend our unity and uphold Nigeria’s glory in every way possible because we are Nigerians, and we have no other country.”

The move to incorporate the National Pledge into official events underlines President Tinubu’s emphasis on reinforcing national identity, fostering patriotism, and instilling a sense of commitment to Nigeria’s progress and unity.

Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has disclosed the imminent commencement of the second phase of dry season farming across all states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, to the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja.

Kyari assured that the upcoming dry season farming phase would involve the production of maize, rice, and cassava on identified irrigable farmlands. Genuine farmers are expected to benefit from the Federal Government’s subsidized certified quality seeds and agro-inputs, encompassing fertilizers, micro-nutrients, herbicides, and pesticides.

The minister highlighted that the first phase of the Dry Season Farming, initiated under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) project in November 2023, focused on 15 wheat-producing states. Based on an evaluation of the initial phase, the Implementation Guidelines for the second phase have been refined.

Among the modifications, Kyari emphasized the establishment of NAGS-AP State Working Committees chaired by the Executive Governor or their representative. The committees will include key members such as the Commissioner for Agriculture (Vice Chairman), Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs or representative, State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, NAGS-AP State Focal Point person, and representatives of organizations like the Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and Traditional Rulers.

Expressing optimism about Nasarawa State’s participation, Kyari noted the state’s prominence in grains, legumes, and root crop cultivation, with key rice milling facilities. He emphasized the synergy between government tiers as crucial for achieving national food security.

Governor Abdullahi Sule affirmed Nasarawa’s position as an agrarian state, leading in sesame, cassava, yam, and ranking fifth in national rice production. He pledged efforts to secure the top spot in all these commodities and mentioned ongoing initiatives to provide farm inputs to smallholder farmers.

Addressing the issue of high food prices, Governor Sule attributed it to middlemen hoarding food items. He disclosed plans to establish a committee to prevent hoarding, ensuring stability in the supply chain and averting artificial scarcity and price hikes.