Nigeria has officially launched its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy in Lagos, signalling a bold step towards leveraging AI for productivity, innovation, and cross-sectoral economic development.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, during the unveiling of the Nigerian Artificial Intelligence Collective Industry (NAICI)—a key community of practice that will oversee the strategy’s implementation and ensure ethical and secure AI deployment nationwide.
A collaborative model with global attention
Dr Tijani highlighted that Nigeria’s AI strategy was developed through an inclusive process involving government, academia, and the private sector. He noted that the nation’s distinctive model—engaging local and international AI experts—has drawn international recognition.
“This approach ensures the strategy reflects Nigeria’s unique challenges and opportunities, with a strong focus on responsible innovation,” he stated.
The government is already investing in AI research and collaborating with private sector actors to accelerate growth in the emerging field.
Nigeria as West Africa’s AI hub
Tijani emphasised Nigeria’s ambition to become the leading AI hub in West Africa, leveraging its large population, strategic location, and growing economy.
“Nigeria’s AI strategy isn’t just for domestic progress—it’s designed to serve as a blueprint for other African nations,” he said. “Our approach positions us as a model for continental development in AI.”
Urgent call for unity and action
Despite the progress, the Minister cautioned that Nigeria is still “slightly behind” in global AI development. He warned that AI could further widen the productivity gap between nations if proactive measures aren’t taken and called for coordinated stakeholder collaboration.
Driving sectoral transformation
Dr Olubayo Akanmbi, CEO of Data Science Nigeria (DSN), presented the operational focus of the newly formed AI Collective, which includes AI-driven research, sectoral innovation, policy development, and international partnerships.
He urged industry professionals to become “sector champions” across various industries—including telecoms, healthcare, agriculture, financial technology, real estate, and creative industries—to ensure widespread AI adoption.
Akanmbi also introduced Diaspora Connect, a new initiative aimed at harnessing the expertise of Nigerians abroad to advance AI in the country.
Strategic vision and structure
Dr Olayinka David-West, Dean of Information Systems at Lagos Business School, provided insights into the overarching goals of the strategy.
“Nigeria’s AI roadmap is ambitious, with 12 key goals and 34 targeted initiatives to accelerate innovation, social progress, and economic growth,” she explained.
The strategy is structured around five strategic pillars:
- Infrastructure development
- Establishing a world-class AI ecosystem
- Driving AI adoption across sectors
- Promoting ethical and responsible AI use
- Implementing strong governance frameworks