In a move to bolster Nigeria's digital initiatives and global presence, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has emphasized the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into Nigeria's security framework to amplify outcomes. The agency seeks to forge partnerships between the IT and security sectors to leverage technologies like AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) for security enhancement. The NITDA is fostering AI growth in Nigeria through initiatives like the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy. This detailed article delves into the NITDA's advocacy for AI integration, its strategic partnerships, and the broader implications for Nigeria's technological landscape.


In a closed-door meeting, the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, engaged with the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) commandant, Alhaji A.S. Adeleke, whose representation was Deputy Commandant D. E. Egbeji. In this discussion, Inuwa underscored the distinct yet complementary roles of the security and information technology (IT) sectors and stressed the potential for collaboration in leveraging technologies such as AI and IoT to bolster Nigeria's security landscape.


Expressing the NITDA's commitment to forging meaningful partnerships, Inuwa highlighted the alignment of such collaborative efforts with the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0). This strategic collaboration falls in line with the agency's pillar emphasizing the establishment of strategic partnerships and collaborations. Notably, the NITDA has also advocated for collaboration between the NITDA, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and financial institutions, emphasizing the utilization of emerging technologies, such as AI and data analytics, to deepen digital payments.


In an enlightening perspective on AI, Inuwa emphasized its global pertinence in making tasks more manageable, providing prompt responses, and offering solutions. The NITDA's proactive approach is underscored by initiatives such as the recently introduced Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme, which allocates grants to AI-focused startups and researchers to drive economic advancement.


A key highlight in this endeavor is the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), a pivotal initiative in fostering the growth of AI in Nigeria. The NCAIR aims to facilitate the widespread utilization of AI to drive economic advancement, marking a significant stride in Nigeria's technological evolution.


The meeting conferred an opportunity for NISS commandant Adeleke to express the institute's eagerness to assimilate insights from the NITDA's experiences for an executive brief intended for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. This aligns with NISS's vision to glean valuable insights to aid in policy development and implementation.


The article also sheds light on the broader impact of NITDA's advocacy for AI integration, illuminating its strategic relevance to Nigeria's digital initiatives and global presence. The development of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy serves as a testament to the NITDA's forward-looking approach to nurturing AI growth and positioning Nigeria at the forefront of technological advancements.


This comprehensive article not only underscores the NITDA's advocacy for AI integration for enhanced security but also delves into its strategic collaborations and long-term implications for Nigeria's technological trajectory.


In parallel, another captivating development unfolds in Hong Kong, where the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has received a surge in crypto license applications from both local and global players. This influx signifies a pivotal moment in Hong Kong's crypto landscape, showcasing the growing interest and engagement of traditional brokerages alongside prominent crypto exchanges in the region.


The article encapsulates Huobi HK's application for a virtual asset trading platform license with Hong Kong SFC, along with insights into the stringent due diligence checks and licensing prerequisites for crypto entities. Notably, the article provides a comprehensive perspective on Hong Kong's recent clarity on exchange licensing, which has attracted traditional brokerages like Chinese stock brokerage Tiger Brokers.


Furthermore, the article unravels the intriguing developments as Harvest Hong Kong, one of China's largest fund managers, files an application for a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund with the Hong Kong regulator. The evolving regulatory framework in Hong Kong and the growing interest in crypto adoption underscore the region's dynamic landscape and its alignment with the global crypto ecosystem.


This in-depth and insightful article captures the dynamic advancements in Nigeria's technological landscape alongside the burgeoning developments in Hong Kong's crypto ecosystem, offering a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the evolving global technological and regulatory landscape.


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(AMAKA NWAOKOCHA, COINTELEGRAPH, 2024)