| dc.description.abstract | Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming global economies by enhancing productivity, improving decision-making, and enabling new forms of digital innovation. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country is increasingly embracing AI as part of its broader digital transformation agenda. A report by the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, shows that Nigeria’s digital economy contributes about 19% of national GDP, while the sector’s value is projected to reach $18.3 billion by 2026 as artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies drive economic growth. AI adoption is gaining momentum across Nigeria’s fintech, education, healthcare, and public service sectors. A survey by Google indicate that about 93% of Nigerian companies have adopted some form of AI technology, while approximately 80% of users leverage AI tools for entrepreneurship, skills development, and career opportunities.
Despite these promising developments, Nigeria faces critical challenges in harnessing AI for national development. These include limited digital infrastructure, regulatory gaps, data governance concerns, and insufficient technical capacity within public institutions. Without effective governance frameworks, AI adoption could exacerbate inequalities, create labour disruptions, and raise ethical concerns related to privacy and data protection.
To maximise the benefits of AI while mitigating risks, coordinated policy action is required. The National Assembly through its relevant Committees and through its oversight function may wish to consider the following recommendations:
✓ The need to ensure proper implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2024.
Legislation should properly define standards for AI ethics, transparency, and accountability.
✓ Strengthening data protection regulations and cybersecurity frameworks is necessary to safeguard citizens’ information. | en_US |
