In a move aimed at harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for national development, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to convene a gathering of 120 Nigerian researchers, startups, and stakeholders in the field of AI.
This collaborative effort aims to formulate a cohesive framework for AI implementation across the nation, and it’s seen as part of broader efforts to develop a regulatory framework for the burgeoning technology.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, in a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday. Minister Tijani disclosed that the assembly of AI experts and stakeholders will convene for the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy workshop scheduled to take place from April 15 to 18, 2024, in Abuja.
Supported by Luminate, a global firm dedicated to driving transregional change, the workshop seeks to facilitate the co-creation of a comprehensive framework aligned with Nigeria’s priorities and implementation approach for leveraging AI to enhance lives and foster economic growth. Many pioneering things are coming, and we can see artificial girlfriend apps, AI tutors, AI planners and more.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Minister Tijani said that the resulting strategy will play a pivotal role in delivering priorities and implementation approaches geared towards improving lives and bolstering Nigeria’s economy through the application of AI.
“One of the earliest initiatives, from the start of my term in office, was to properly define and outline a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Nigeria,” he stated.
He noted the critical need to coordinate and harness the power of AI for national development, positioning technology as a catalyst to accelerate productivity across various sectors such as education, agriculture, and healthcare.
“The need to coordinate and harness the power of AI for national development is a critical element in our journey towards the use of technology to accelerate productivity in our country.
“AI offers us the opportunity to leverage technology to solve some of our most complex and urgent challenges in education, agriculture, healthcare, and so much more,” Tijani added.
Recognizing the abundance of talent within the Nigerian diaspora actively engaged in AI research, the Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to engage leading researchers in various initiatives, including the National Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA) project.
Collaboration with these talented individuals aims to mainstream the application of AI in everyday life, addressing complex challenges and driving progress in key sectors.
The proposed workshop marks a significant step towards establishing a robust framework for AI implementation, poised to propel the nation towards technological advancement and sustainable development. If implemented, experts believe it holds immense potential for Nigeria to contribute significantly to AI development in several ways.
Here are some of the potential benefits:
Utilization of local talents: By bringing together 120 Nigerian researchers, start-ups, and stakeholders in the field of AI, the government is tapping into the rich talent pool in the country. This collaborative effort enables the exchange of expertise, ideas, and resources to develop AI solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique needs and challenges.
Strategic planning and framework: The formulation of a coherent framework for AI implementation provides a structured approach to guide Nigeria’s efforts in AI development. This framework will outline priorities, strategies, and policies to promote AI innovation and adoption in various sectors.
Alignment with national priorities: The AI strategy will align with Nigeria’s priorities and ensure that AI initiatives directly contribute to solving pressing societal problems and promoting economic growth. By focusing on sectors such as education, agriculture, healthcare, and others, AI solutions can be tailored to the specific needs of Nigerian communities.
International collaboration and support: Working with global companies like Luminate demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging external expertise and resources to drive AI development. International partnerships can provide valuable insight, funding, and technical support to complement local efforts and accelerate progress.
Mainstreaming AI Applications: Through initiatives like the National Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA) project, the government aims to integrate AI applications into everyday life. This involves embedding AI solutions into existing systems and processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, and innovation across various sectors.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: The workshop and ongoing initiatives provide platforms for capacity building and knowledge sharing among AI professionals in Nigeria. By facilitating collaboration, training, and skill development, the government can nurture a vibrant ecosystem of AI talent capable of driving sustained innovation and growth.