Tijani Champions AI Revolution in Nigeria, Calls for Strategic Regulation
By Matthew Eloyi
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has emphasized the need for Nigeria to harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while ensuring its responsible and ethical use.
Speaking at the unveiling of Nigeria AI Collective in Abuja on Monday, Tijani highlighted the crucial role AI can play in driving homegrown innovations that address local challenges and propel economic growth.
Tijani stressed the importance of leveraging AI to solve pressing national issues, stating, “AI is a unique technology that offers us the opportunity to solve problems in ways we haven’t been able to before. At the same time, it’s a technology that requires government attention to prevent potential societal harm.”
He acknowledged the $1.5 million funding from Luminate to support Nigeria’s AI Collective over the next three years, noting that while the amount may seem modest, it serves as a critical starting point for fostering innovation in the digital economy.
“It is not a lot of money, but it is a good source of funding to get us going. The government must ensure that we regulate AI effectively—not to stifle innovation, but to protect our people,” Tijani added.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy and supported by the Ford and MacArthur Foundations, was themed “Shaping an Inclusive AI Ecosystem for Nigeria.” It aimed to bring together stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector to build a more inclusive and ethical AI landscape in the country.
Stephen King, Chief Executive Officer of Luminate, underscored the importance of developing AI in a way that ensures safety and inclusivity.
“We are proud to support Nigeria’s AI Collective with $1.5 million over the next three years. This initiative will bring together expertise from across sectors to drive innovation and ensure AI is developed and deployed in an ethical manner,” King said.