An expert has called on Nigeria to fully explore the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance service delivery across key sectors. Emphasizing the transformative potential of AI, the expert argued that timely adoption would enable Nigeria to close the development gap, boost productivity, and participate competitively in the global digital economy.
The expert highlighted how AI can optimize agriculture through precision farming, improve healthcare with predictive diagnostics, and enhance education by personalizing learning. In governance, AI can aid in data-driven decision-making, automate public services, and improve transparency. Security operations could also benefit from AI-enabled surveillance and threat analysis, while the financial sector can utilize it for fraud detection, customer engagement, and risk assessment.
However, the expert warned that harnessing AI requires proactive strategies. Key among these is investing in digital infrastructure, fostering local talent through STEM education and digital literacy programs, and encouraging research and innovation. Public-private partnerships were also recommended to accelerate AI development and deployment.
He noted that Nigeria must develop a clear national AI policy, align regulatory frameworks to international standards, and prioritize ethical considerations, including data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and job displacement risks. He stressed the importance of inclusive policies to prevent AI from deepening social inequality, ensuring that marginalized groups are not left behind.
Furthermore, the expert called for collaboration with international organizations, research institutions, and tech firms to build capacity and access resources. He also advocated for supporting startups and entrepreneurs in AI through funding, mentorship, and enabling environments.
While acknowledging existing challenges—such as poor internet penetration, erratic power supply, and limited funding—he maintained that Nigeria can still leverage its youthful population, growing tech ecosystem, and rising digital adoption to lead AI innovation in Africa.
The expert concluded by urging Nigerian policymakers, academia, industry leaders, and civil society to act with urgency. He emphasized that AI is not just a future trend but a present necessity that, if embraced wisely, could transform Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape and secure a more prosperous future.
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