Nigeria is making significant strides towards becoming a key player in the global development and regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a workshop on the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in Abuja, Tijani emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s active participation in the evolving landscape of AI development, especially considering the impending global convergence on AI technologies by leading nations.
The four-day workshop, themed “Developing the High-Level Strategy and Implementation Plan for a National AI Strategy for Nigeria,” has convened over 120 AI experts and researchers to craft a comprehensive AI strategy for the country. Tijani underscored the urgency for Nigeria to keep pace with AI advancements, which have already become a reality in regions like Asia, America, and Europe.
Highlighting the imminent convergence of AI systems worldwide, Tijani stressed Nigeria’s need to be part of the global AI development and regulation dialogue. He emphasized that AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of human endeavours and called for a strategic roadmap to enhance Nigeria’s knowledge, skills, and participation in AI development and deployment, considering its broader implications for humanity.
The workshop aims to generate profound resolutions and strategies for adopting and deploying AI in Nigeria. Tijani emphasized the significance of an inclusive approach, leveraging the nation’s diversity and expertise to craft a strategy that reflects consensus and addresses the nation’s needs.
Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), echoed the transformative potential of AI, highlighting its role in diversifying Nigeria’s economy. He emphasized the need to harness AI across sectors to drive economic growth and the importance of aligning economic diversification strategies with AI capabilities.
The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy in collaboration with NITDA, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), and other stakeholders, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging AI for national development and global competitiveness.
