The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced plans to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to transform ideas generated by Nigerian youths into actionable policy proposals. The initiative is aimed at creating a structured platform through which young Nigerians can contribute directly to national development and policy formulation.
NITDA said the initiative will focus on key areas including digital innovation, employment creation, climate action and national security. It added that virtual engagement sessions will be organised across Nigeria’s 360 federal constituencies, as well as for Nigerians in the diaspora, to gather ideas and perspectives from young people.
According to the agency, AI will be used to collect, analyse and organise the contributions from the various engagements, helping to identify common priorities and develop them into practical policy recommendations. The approach is expected to strengthen youth participation in governance while making the policy development process more responsive to emerging challenges.
The initiative comes amid growing efforts to expand the application of AI beyond commercial uses into governance and public policy. NITDA said the programme would provide young Nigerians with a direct avenue to contribute ideas capable of influencing policies on technology, economic opportunities and other areas of national development.