Launching AI and blockchain research centers across Nigeria on a national scale
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced plans to establish research hubs for emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), additive manufacturing, and robotics, across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.
According to Aristotle Onumo, NITDA's director of corporate planning and strategy, this ambitious project is set to receive funding for research in these areas. Onumo made this announcement during the IoT West Africa Conference on July 2.
NITDA is also actively nurturing talent by supporting the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program initiated by the federal government. The aim of the 3MTT program is to have three million skilled Nigerians by 2027.
Meanwhile, the regulatory landscape for blockchain and cryptocurrencies in Nigeria is undergoing significant changes. Last year, Nigeria introduced the National Blockchain Policy, which has been evolving towards formal regulation. The enactment and implementation of the Investments and Securities Act 2025 effectively constitute Nigeria’s current policy framework governing blockchain and crypto assets.
This law grants legal status to cryptocurrencies as securities, establishes licensing requirements for crypto exchanges and service providers, and enhances regulatory coordination among agencies like the SEC, EFCC, NFIU, and the CBN. All crypto exchanges and virtual asset service providers (VASPs) must register with the SEC, with platforms like Quidax and Busha among the first approved.
However, it appears that the National Blockchain Policy is not directly linked to NITDA's plan to establish research hubs for emerging technologies. Similarly, the National Blockchain Policy's implementation status is not mentioned in relation to NITDA's support for the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program.
In his pre-election manifesto, President Bola Tinubu promised to integrate blockchain into various sectors of the Nigerian economy. It remains unclear how Nigeria plans to transform the National Blockchain Policy and President Tinubu's promises into tangible, productive endeavors.
President Tinubu's involvement in NITDA's plans to support Nigerian startups developing products on emerging technologies is also not public knowledge at this time.
Sources:
- Nigeria's Crypto Regulation: A Comprehensive Guide
- Nigeria's Crypto Regulation: What You Need to Know
- Nigeria's Crypto Regulation: The Road Ahead
- Nigeria's Crypto Regulation: The Current State
- Nigeria's Crypto Regulation: A New Era
