Embracing Artificial Intelligence as a Strategic Partner
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, has urged business leaders to see artificial intelligence (AI) as a collaborative partner in driving innovation and economic growth. Rather than perceiving AI as a threat to human jobs, he encourages leaders to view it as a thought partner that can help generate new ideas, discover innovative business models, and create competitive advantages in an ever-evolving global economy.
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During a high-level panel session titled “Builders of the New Nigeria – Stories of Scale, Grit, and Innovation” at the BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeria, held in Lagos, Inuwa challenged the traditional view of AI as just an automation tool. He emphasized the need for CEOs and business leaders to embrace AI as a strategic ally in their operations.
“I see artificial intelligence not just as a tool, but as a thought partner,” he stated. His message was clear: AI should not be seen as a replacement for human input, but rather as a collaborator that can unlock new levels of productivity and creativity.
Inuwa explained that while AI may outperform humans in certain tasks, its primary function is not to replace human workers. Instead, it is designed to take over specific processes and skills currently used to complete routine tasks. This shift requires business leaders to reposition themselves at the center of this technological evolution.
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“The key is to position yourself at the center of this collaboration. Yes, AI can outperform humans in many tasks, but it will not replace you or me. What AI will replace are the skills and processes we rely on today to perform our work.”
He stressed the importance of proactively redefining roles in an AI-driven world by evolving capabilities to work effectively alongside intelligent systems. Learning how to collaborate with AI, rather than compete against it, is the surest way to remain relevant and successful in the digital age.
Assigning Roles to AI for Effective Collaboration
To get the best out of AI, Inuwa advised businesses to approach AI systems by assigning them specific roles or personas based on the context of their usage. Whether as a virtual lawyer, doctor, co-founder, or advisor, he suggested that assigning a clear role to AI makes its interaction with humans more purposeful and productive.
Despite his optimism about AI’s potential, Inuwa warned that AI systems must be approached with vigilance. He cautioned business leaders not to assume AI is always accurate or ethical by default. According to him, AI should always be treated as the “worst version” of itself until it proves otherwise.
“This is where government’s role becomes critical. As regulators, we need to create policy labs where we can test AI technologies in safe, controlled environments. We must evaluate them thoroughly to ensure they are safe, ethical, and reliable,” he added.
A Collaborative Regulatory Approach
Inuwa noted that NITDA has adopted a progressive regulatory approach centered on collaboration, experimentation, and co-creation. Instead of imposing restrictive regulations out of fear or uncertainty, the agency works closely with innovators, startups, and the private sector to experiment with emerging technologies like AI.
According to Inuwa, the insights gained from such collaborative initiatives help government agencies like NITDA establish clear, evidence-based benchmarks and policies that support innovation while safeguarding public interests.
This approach ensures that the development and implementation of AI technologies are aligned with societal needs and ethical considerations. By fostering a culture of cooperation between regulators and industry players, NITDA aims to create an ecosystem where AI can thrive without compromising safety or fairness.
Preparing for the Future of Work
As AI continues to reshape industries and redefine the nature of work, Inuwa’s call for proactive adaptation remains essential. Business leaders must prepare for a future where human-AI collaboration becomes the norm. This involves not only investing in technology but also in the development of new skills and strategies that enable seamless integration with intelligent systems.
Inuwa’s vision for the future emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, ethical responsibility, and strategic foresight. By embracing these principles, organizations can harness the full potential of AI while ensuring that it serves as a force for progress and inclusivity.
