As champions of innovation, we firmly believe Nigeria’s AI transformation depends not on isolated breakthroughs but on broad digitisation across sectors—a unified strategy that fuels data generation, enhances digital readiness, and unlocks scalable, inclusive AI solutions.
The Case for Sector-Wide Digitisation
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Data as the Bedrock of AI
AI thrives on vast, high-quality datasets. Without sector-wide digitisation—ranging from agriculture to finance and healthcare—AI models lack the raw material for intelligent insights lbs.edu.ng+5pwc.com+5punchng.com+5. -
From Disparate to Cohesive Systems
Patchy digital infrastructure stifles integration. Countries that have digitised comprehensively enable AI tools to operate seamlessly, delivering more profound impact across industries . -
Democratizing AI Through Data Availability
Digitisation empowers data accessibility, promoting innovation across businesses, governments, and academia. It’s essential for empowering startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers.
Progress in Nigeria: Promising Yet Uneven
Public Sector Initiatives
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The Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) and National Centre for AI and Robotics (NCAIR) are catalysing capacity development.
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The recently launched National AI Strategy fosters AI integration into public services, tech education, and economic planning.
Private Sector Momentum
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Finance: Banks utilize chatbots for customer support and complaints
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E‑commerce: Platforms like Bumpa use AI-based coaching tools, while agritech solutions such as Kitovu deliver personalised crop guidance
However, slow digitisation in legacy industries—like agriculture, health, and education—limits comprehensive growth.
The Challenges Holding Back AI Progress
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure | High operational costs—from computing hardware to storage—stunt adoption |
| Skills Gap & Brain Drain | A shortage of specialised AI professionals, compounded by emigration, undermines local capacity. Initiatives like 3MTT and AI Skills Navigator aim to close this gap . |
| Regulation & Governance | Nigeria’s multiple, siloed regulatory frameworks lack cohesion. The NDPR offers some data privacy cover, but unified legislation focused on AI remains absent . |
| Public Trust & Ethics | Concerns about bias, transparency, privacy, and job displacement remain widespread. NGOs, academia, and private actors must drive ethical AI frameworks . |
Strategic Blueprint: Drive Digitisation to Fuel AI Adoption
1. Embed Digitisation in Education
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School Curricula Integration: Teach students to digitalise academic work and use AI tools from primary to tertiary levels.
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Collaborate with Professional Bodies: Institutions like ICAN and NMA should co-design AI-centric workshops and certifications for professionals
2. Expand Public-Private AI Partnerships
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Launch joint programmes where corporations sponsor infrastructure and research hubs in agriculture, health, and manufacturing.
3. Democratize Learning Through Open Access
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Offer free online AI training via platforms like Microsoft Learn and PwC–LBS programmes proshare.co+6pwc.com+6lbs.edu.ng+6.
4. Establish Unified AI Policy & Governance
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Consolidate fragmented regulatory efforts into a national AI oversight body—aligned with the NDPR—to standardise ethics, data usage, bias audits, and accountability .
5. Incentivize Infrastructure Investment
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Provide tax relief, grants, and subsidies for organisations investing in cloud, data centres, and affordable GPU computing to support AI development.
Merits of a Digitally Integrated Nigeria
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Inclusive Innovation: Enables local agritech, fintech, and medtech breakthroughs.
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Enhanced Public Service Delivery: From AI diagnosis in healthcare to personalized education.
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Global Competitiveness: Positions Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital renaissance
Taking Action: Digital-First Decision-Making
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Government: Mandate digitisation for public agencies and deploy AI in governance.
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Private Sector: Digitise operations end-to-end and back solutions with investment.
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Academia: Update courses, support AI research, and offer governance certificates.
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Civil Society: Advance digital literacy and champion ethical AI practices.
Conclusion
Digitisation is not simply a stepping-stone—it is Nigeria’s gateway to an AI-powered future. By embedding digital practices across every sector, we create the foundation for scalable, equitable AI innovation—driving robust growth and strong global positioning. Now is the moment to act with unified, sector-wide intent.
Let us usher in a digitally-integrated Nigeria that leads Africa’s AI age
