By Stellamaris Ashinze

Nigeria has taken a significant step toward becoming a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the launch of a National AI Strategy, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, says.

Tijani made this known at the launch of the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Collective Industry (NAICI) in Lagos on Tuesday.

He said that the launch aimed at harnessing the power of AI to drive economic growth and development.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the AI Collective is a community of practice charged with supporting strategy development, and ensuring ethics and safety are central to the advancement of AI in Nigeria.

Tijani said: “The National AI Strategy was developed through a collaborative process involving government, academia, and industry.

“Nigeria’s approach to AI strategy development is unique and has garnered international recognition.

“The country’s model involves identifying and engaging with Nigerian researchers and experts in AI, both locally and internationally, to develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses the nation’s specific needs and challenges.”

According to him, the government has taken concrete steps to support AI development, including funding research projects and establishing partnerships with private sector companies.

“With its innovative approach and commitment to AI development, Nigeria is positioning itself as a hub for AI in West Africa.

“The country’s strategic location, large population, and growing economy make it an attractive destination for AI investment and innovation.

“Nigeria’s AI strategy will serve as a model for other African countries and contribute to the continent’s economic development,’’ he said.

Tijani emphasised the importance of building a community of practice around AI and encouraging collaboration between industry, academia, and government.

He, however, stressed that the country was not talking enough about the power that it had or could produce when everyone comes together to do things.

He said that there was no country in Africa where this sort of thing was happening today, adding that Nigeria was still, however, slightly behind.

The minister noted that everyone could see the sort of acceleration that Nigeria was leading, adding that if all continued on this path and truly understood what was happening today, then all would see that the future was bright.

“So, the challenge that we have is that AI is going to exacerbate the gaps and differences between nations when it comes to productivity,’’ he said.

He urged all stakeholders to work together to achieve the country’s AI ambitions and ensure that the benefits of the technology was shared by all.

“As the country moves forward with its AI strategy, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential benefits, including increased productivity, improved competitiveness, and enhanced economic growth.

“However, they also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, including the need for significant investment in infrastructure,” he noted.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Data Science Nigeria (DSN), Dr Olubayo Akanmbi, outlined the key areas of focus for the AI Collective.

Akanmbi said that the AI collective included research and development, sector-specific innovation, policy advocacy, and international collaboration.

He said that the AI Collective would provide a platform for industry players to work together to create innovative solutions, mobilise support for young startups, and create sectoral networks to drive domain-specific use cases.

According to him, the initiative will also focus on policy advocacy, and ensure that AI is used in an ethical and responsible manner.

Akanmbi emphasised the importance of international collaboration, noting that the AI Collective would tap into global centres of excellence to power the work being done in Nigeria.

He also announced the launch of the Diaspora Connect, a platform that would enable Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to the development of AI in the country.

“The AI Collective will also provide a platform for sectoral networks to drive AI adoption and sector transformation.

“Industry stakeholders are encouraged to volunteer as champions in various sectors, including telecoms, creative economy, real estate, government, health, agriculture, financial inclusion, and fintech,” the DSN CEO said.

He expressed optimism that the AI Collective would drive impact and transform various sectors of the economy, and encouraged all stakeholders to get involved and support the initiative.

Officially opening NAICI, the Dean of Information Systems, Lagos Business School, Dr Olayinka David-West, highlighted key aspects of Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy.

David-West emphasised the need for a framework that would guide the country’s approach to AI development.

She said that Nigeria’s AI strategy was focused on leveraging technical innovation, local talent, and strategic collaboration to drive sustainability and economic growth.

According to her, the strategy is built around five key pillars: infrastructure development, building a world-class AI ecosystem, AI adoption across sectors, responsible AI development, and a robust government framework.

The dean emphasised the importance of using AI to drive economic growth, improve educational and healthcare outcomes, and enhance the standard of living for Nigerians.

David-West also highlighted the need for AI adoption in various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, finance, healthcare, education, and public sector governance.

She said that the strategy was bold and audacious, with 12 goals and 34 initiatives aimed at achieving economic growth, social development, and technological advancement.

David-West emphasised the importance of governance and responsible AI development in ensuring that no Nigerian was left behind in the process. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinka Fadare