Nigeria to launch AI and Blockchain research hub nationwide
Despite promising blockchain developments, it remains unclear how Nigeria plans to transform its policies and promises into tangible, productive endeavors.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has unveiled plans to establish research hubs for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) and blockchain across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Aristotle Onumo, NITDA’s director of corporate planning and strategy, made this announcement during the IoT West Africa Conference on July 2, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to fostering a dynamic technology research environment.
Stay up-to-date with the latest blockchain developments in Africa
The details
- Onumo, who was standing in for Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, highlighted that NITDA’s research focus areas encompass IoT, blockchain technology, UAVs, additive manufacturing, AI, and robotics.
- In addition to funding research in these areas, Onumo said NITDA would support Nigerian startups developing products on emerging technologies.
- He added that NITDA is actively nurturing talent by supporting the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program initiated by the federal government. The aim is to have three million skilled Nigerians by 2027.
Also read:
Nigerian SEC to leverage blockchain for capital markets
Dr. Agama’s latest comments come amidst uncertainties in the Nigerian crypto space. A Binance executive remains in detention in Nigeria.
Eseose Oseghale
Key quote
- Onumo said:
“We are establishing a special-purpose vehicle that is going to look into these key areas and establish research centers across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria that will target these six key areas of emerging technologies,”
Of note
- Last year, Nigeria introduced the National Blockchain Policy, following a strategy developed over two and a half years by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy.
- In his pre-election manifesto, President Bola Tinubu also promised to integrate blockchain into various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
- However, despite these promising developments, it remains unclear how Nigeria plans to transform these policies and promises into tangible, productive endeavors.
- There is currently no publicly available roadmap for implementing the National Blockchain Policy.
