Nigeria, US Strengthen Ties on Data Privacy, AI and Cybersecurity

Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on data privacy, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, in a move aimed at strengthening trust and resilience in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, made this known at the Nigeria Data Privacy Capacity Building Workshop organised by the U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the Nigerian Mission and key stakeholders in the digital sector.

Inuwa described the workshop as a clear demonstration of the long-standing Nigeria–U.S. partnership in advancing digital and technical development, saying it reflects a deliberate and sustained effort by both countries to address emerging digital challenges and opportunities together.

He recalled that in April 2024, under the U.S.–Nigeria Binational Commission framework, both nations agreed to collaborate on data privacy, AI, cybersecurity, capacity building and wider digital development initiatives.

“The partnership has since translated into concrete actions, including co-hosting an Artificial Intelligence Conference by the Nigerian government and the U.S. Mission, as well as engagements with U.S. cybersecurity firms to explore collaborations that strengthen Nigeria’s technical ecosystem,” Inuwa said.

He stressed that NITDA’s emphasis on data privacy, AI, cybersecurity and policy is driven by the need to build trust within the digital ecosystem. “Trust is a key enabler of digital transformation. Its absence slows innovation and raises costs, while its presence accelerates growth and reduces barriers,” he noted.

According to him, building a sustainable digital economy requires intentional efforts to safeguard data privacy, reinforce security frameworks and deploy AI responsibly. “AI depends on data, data requires privacy, and privacy can only be assured through strong cybersecurity measures,” he added.

Inuwa also revealed plans to expand Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Conference into an international platform later this year. Following U.S. participation in the 2025 edition, the expanded conference will create opportunities for American cybersecurity companies to showcase solutions, deepen partnerships with Nigerian firms and further strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

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