The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has urged Nigerian business leaders to embrace principle-led leadership and responsibly deploy artificial intelligence (AI) as the country navigates disruptive technological and economic shifts.
Delivering a keynote address at the 3rd Biennial Corporate Governance and Enterprise Development Conference in Lagos, themed “Redefining Enterprise Leadership in a Changing Nigeria: AI, Protectionism, and Governance in Focus”, Inuwa said Nigeria stands at a defining moment where technology, shifting economic realities, and evolving governance structures are reshaping enterprises.
While commending the resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurs, he warned that “informal, organic growth is no longer sufficient in a fast-changing world.” He called for leaders to adopt approaches that are purpose-driven, performance-focused, and principle-led.
Drawing lessons from NITDA’s institutional transformation, the DG outlined five guiding principles for enterprise leadership: creating clarity, unleashing energy, building trust, winning today, and shaping tomorrow. He underscored the need for cultural reorientation, aligning strategies with staff performance, and fostering innovation to ensure long-term relevance.
On artificial intelligence, Inuwa described AI as a transformative “thought partner” capable of shaping strategies and driving innovation but cautioned against risks such as misinformation. He advocated for responsible adoption, workforce reskilling, and co-intelligence models that blend human and machine strengths.
Speaking on protectionism, he argued that tariffs and restrictions cannot shield enterprises in today’s interconnected world. Instead, he urged Nigeria to pursue digital sovereignty through stronger data protection frameworks, talent development, and governance reforms.
“Enterprises must find the right balance between innovation, security, and trust,” Inuwa concluded, stressing that Nigeria must embrace technology responsibly, safeguard digital assets, and reform governance to turn challenges into opportunities and secure global competitiveness.
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