GITEX Africa: NITDA Warns AI-powered Threats Growing

The director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Kashifu Inuwa , has said that Artificial Intelligence (AI- powered) digital threats have become more elusive and destructive as Nigeria is shifting its strategy toward total resilience.

Kashifu gave this warning during the 2026 GITEX Africa summit in Marrakech, Morocco, stressing that the era of treating cybersecurity as a mere IT problem is over and called for a multi-dimensional defense involving every level of society.

NITDA boss also sounded the alarm on the changing nature of digital warfare, asserting that technology alone is no longer enough. He added that Nigeria’s survival in the digital age now hinges on a strategic blend of policy, people, and proactive defense.

Speaking during a panel session on Cyber Resilience, Inuwa described the current global digital environment as being at a “critical turning point.” He warned that emerging technologies are not only transforming industries and economies but are also reshaping the nature of cyber threats, demanding a proactive and multi-dimensional response from governments, institutions, and citizens alike.

“Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue. It is a strategic imperative for national development,” Inuwa stated. “We must think beyond technology alone and build resilience through people, processes, regulations, and infrastructure,” he added.

Inuwa revealed that the focus of Nigeria’s cyber strategy is shifting from high-tech software to the people behind the screens. Pointing to data showing that 95% of all digital breaches stem from simple human mistakes, Inuwa argued that the world’s most advanced encryption is useless if the user is compromised.

“The most sophisticated technology cannot protect us if the human element is overlooked,” he noted. He said that by prioritising human capacity and digital literacy, NITDA aims to turn every citizen into a human firewall,” the first and most critical line of defense in a world where AI-driven attacks are the new normal.

In response, the Nigerian government has launched a comprehensive National Digital Literacy Programme aimed at achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030, with an interim target of 70 per cent by 2027. The programme emphasized digital safety and cybersecurity awareness, equipping citizens with the knowledge to navigate an increasingly online world responsibly.

Inuwa highlighted initiatives such as the “3 Million Tech Talent” programme, designed to develop Nigerian expertise across key technology domains, including cybersecurity, data science, and AI. The programme also leverages hackathons, innovation challenges, and mentorship schemes to channel young people’s skills into productive, lawful, and globally competitive ventures.

He argued that nurturing local talent is essential not just for national security but also for economic growth. “We want to create an environment where young Nigerians are innovators, not just consumers of technology,” he said.

Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s ranking in global cybercrime indices, Inuwa urged contextual understanding. “Countries with the most advanced digital economies also rank high in cybercrime because of the scale of their online activity,” he explained. “Our focus is on redirecting talent towards innovation and solutions that protect our citizens while contributing to global digital advancement,” he added.

On the legal and regulatory front, Nigeria continues to review and enhance the Cybercrime Act of 2015 to keep pace with the rapidly evolving threat landscape. The law underpins a structured National Cybersecurity Architecture coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

In addition, the country operates a 24-hour cybersecurity operations centre tasked with monitoring threats, issuing advisories, and providing real-time support to government institutions, businesses, and citizens.

Advanced technologies, including dark web monitoring and AI-enabled threat detection, are being deployed to enhance situational awareness and improve response times.

Inuwa emphasized that effective cyber resilience requires collaboration between public and private sectors. He said that NITDA is working closely with ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector stakeholders to secure critical infrastructure and strengthen national resilience.

“Cyber resilience is not a solo effort; it is a collective responsibility. By integrating people, technology, and regulation, we can build a secure, globally competitive digital economy,” he added.