A major global report titled AI-Powered Cities of the Future, released by Deloitte and ThoughtLab, has spotlighted a pressing global shift — cities across continents are accelerating their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform public services, infrastructure, and economic frameworks. From Singapore and San Francisco to Nairobi and Paris, urban hubs are racing to position themselves as leaders in AI-driven governance. Yet notably, no Nigerian city has made the list of 49 global leaders in AI innovation, nor has any entered the ranks of “advancers” actively scaling AI capabilities.
This omission raises urgent questions for Africa’s largest economy. As peer nations including Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania advance with national AI strategies and deployment plans, Nigerian cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Kaduna remain on the sidelines.
Across Nigeria’s urban centres, manual operations persist, digital infrastructure remains fragmented, and public service delivery lags behind. Experts attribute this delay to a lack of a coherent national urban AI policy, insufficient digital investment, a shortage of AI skills in both public and private sectors, and minimal funding towards AI research and sectoral deployment. While countries like the UAE have appointed a Minister of AI and Singapore implemented a national AI framework as early as 2019, Nigeria’s National AI Strategy still awaits finalisation.
The report underscores the critical importance of AI as a core infrastructure, not a futuristic luxury. It notes how cities around the world are using AI to revolutionise urban life — from predictive analytics for traffic and flood control to generative AI that reduces bureaucratic delays in public services. “Imagine Lagos using predictive analytics to manage its notorious flooding, waste management, and traffic congestion,” the report outlines. “Abuja harnessing generative AI to automate citizen services and cut bureaucratic red tape. Port Harcourt deploying smart systems to enhance waste management and urban cleanliness. Kano and Kaduna boosting public safety with cutting-edge surveillance and crisis management.” These are not far-off dreams, but realities already unfolding in global and regional cities like Dubai, Singapore, Dar es Salaam, and Dakar.
Nigeria’s continued hesitation carries a high cost. Countries at the forefront of AI adoption are proving more resilient to global disruptions, more efficient in service delivery, and more engaging with their citizens. As the report warns, “By sidelining AI, Nigeria risks deepening the developmental chasm with the rest of the world.”
To reverse the trend, the report calls on Nigerian decision-makers at national, state, and local levels to act with urgency. It recommends the immediate development of a national “Nigeria AI City Strategy” that includes funding mechanisms, clear regulations, and incentives. It further calls for investment in smart infrastructure such as sensors, cloud platforms, and open data systems, as well as the appointment of Chief AI Officers or Commissioners at the sub-national level, similar to the model in Dubai.
Nurturing homegrown AI talent is also vital. Collaborations between government, universities, and innovation hubs are essential to embed AI and data science into the education system. The report suggests AI bootcamps, scholarships, and partnerships with global firms to cultivate a capable workforce.
To enable experimentation and growth, the creation of “AI Sandboxes” is proposed, where startups can develop, test, and scale new solutions with supportive regulation and funding. Pilot initiatives — like AI-assisted farming in Kaduna or chatbots for local government services — could serve as early wins that encourage broader adoption nationwide.
Equally important is the development of a strong ethical and governance framework to ensure AI systems operate transparently, fairly, and inclusively. “Build governance frameworks that protect privacy, mitigate bias, and ensure that AI systems work inclusively for all Nigerians,” the report urges.
Ultimately, AI is fast becoming the new electricity powering urban development, and the economic benefits are projected to be enormous. As the Deloitte and ThoughtLab study reveals, AI is poised to contribute billions to national economies by 2030. For Nigeria, embracing this transformation is not merely about technological advancement; it is a necessary step towards economic growth, improved governance, public service innovation, and national resilience.
With its young population, thriving tech community, and globally recognised creativity, Nigeria possesses the foundations to lead in AI. What remains is the political resolve and strategic vision to act. The digital race is well underway — and the time for Nigeria’s cities to take their place on the track is now.