The Federal Government has identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a critical tool to accelerate Nigeria’s development agenda and drive economic growth.
This was revealed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, during the opening ceremony of the 12th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) in Makurdi, Benue State.
The event, themed Accelerating the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence through Policy and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in achieving sustainable development.
Engr. Yabo highlighted the pivotal role of AI across key sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, environmental protection, and infrastructure.
He stated that the government has initiated strategic measures to leverage AI for economic competitiveness.
One of these measures is the establishment of the National Centre for AI and Robotics (NCAIR), a digital innovation hub focused on AI, robotics, drones, and emerging technologies.
This facility is central to implementing the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020–2030, which aims to transform Nigeria’s digital economy.
Additionally, the Ministry’s 3MTT Talent Development Program seeks to train three million digital talents, positioning Nigeria as a global hub for AI application.
To foster home-grown research, the ministry has provided research grants to 45 AI startups and researchers through the Nigeria AI Research Scheme (NAIRS), focusing on critical sectors of the economy.
Engr. Yabo also underscored Nigeria’s commitment to global AI development, noting that the country signed the 2023 Bletchley Declaration on AI alongside nations like the UK and France, demonstrating a shared goal of mitigating AI-related risks.
Furthermore, Nigeria joined 18 other countries in a U.S.-led coalition to ensure AI technologies are designed securely and ethically to catalyze development.
To support these efforts, the Ministry has implemented infrastructure projects, including the Right-of-Way policy that facilitates laying of fiber optic cables to boost internet connectivity nationwide.
Engr. Yabo expressed optimism about the country’s potential, emphasizing that with the collective efforts of experts and policymakers, Nigeria could harness AI to achieve unprecedented progress.
He also called on the Council to review resolutions from the previous meeting and contribute to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ongoing NCCIDE meeting reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to position Nigeria as a leader in AI-driven development, paving the way for a more prosperous and competitive nation.
