The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Inuwa has said that the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) built by his Agency, will foster the development of emerging technologies in preparing Nigeria for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Inuwa, gave the assurance in a remark on Friday during the official commissioning of the Centre, in Wuye District Abuja.
He said the project is one among many of NITDA’s developmental programmes in accordance with the Agency’s core mandate of facilitating the growth of Information Technology (IT) development in Nigeria.
“As we enter the age of advanced technological breakthroughs such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Nigeria cannot be left out in harnessing the advantages of AI, Robotics and other emerging technologies. Develop countries can add 20 to 25% net income to their GDP, while developing countries like Nigeria can add 5 to 15%. Nigerian GDP is around 400B USD thus AI can add between 20B to 60B USD in 10 years,” he added.
In his address, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, said NCAIR will serve as a leading hub of innovation, research and development, knowledge transfer, and training in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and other emerging technologies.
“Our adoption of regulatory sandbox frameworks for testing technology in a controlled environment will enable the Center accelerate the progress we are making in the development of our digital economy,” he added.
PRNigeria gathered that the Centre is fully equipped with a Digital Innovation Lab, which will serve as a one-stop shop for digital innovation support; a Makerspace and Fabrication Lab (Fab Lab) Infrastructure that will support Innovation-Driven Enterprise (IDEs) for potential entrepreneurs to convert their ideas into products and services; Printed Circuit Board Facilities; 3D Printer; Co-working space for startups, and training facilities.
▪︎ By PRNigeria