By Muhammad Mamman
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Nigeria as one of the world’s leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) hubs, targeting a place among the top 50 AI-ready nations.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Usman, made the pledge at the Colloquium on AI Policy in Nigeria, themed “Navigating Opportunities and Challenges for National Development,” held in Abuja on Thursday.
Represented by Khalifa Nuhu, Head of the Central Results Delivery and Coordination Unit, Ms Usman said Nigeria’s ambition requires strong leadership, clear vision, sustained investment, and strategic partnerships. She stressed the importance of tailoring AI policies to address Nigeria’s unique challenges while seizing emerging opportunities.
“Open-mindedness and recognition of concerns are crucial for effective AI policy development. Africa is increasingly active in the AI space, and Nigeria’s strides are already being recognised—evidenced by its inclusion in Time Magazine’s list of top AI-ready countries,” she noted.
Hawwau Gambo, spokesperson for the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC), emphasised that policy must strike a balance between regulation and innovation.
“We must ensure that regulations do not stifle the creativity of innovators developing AI-driven products and services. As we chart Nigeria’s AI journey, inclusivity and responsibility must remain at the centre,” Ms Gambo said.
She reaffirmed the NDIC’s commitment to harnessing technology to safeguard depositors, strengthen confidence in the financial system, and support Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Adding her voice, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Chief Executive Officer of Saban Media Services, described AI as a transformative tool with vast potential across healthcare, agriculture, and public services. She said the policy dialogue marked a vital step towards building a forward-looking AI framework that fosters innovation while protecting national values.
“This colloquium is more than a conversation—it is the foundation for a robust AI policy that ensures Nigeria is not just a participant, but a leader in the global AI revolution,” she declared.
