Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, expressed optimism about the country’s future in artificial intelligence (AI), declaring that Nigeria has the potential to become a global AI leader by 2025. He spoke in a television interview, revealing that Nigeria has already made significant strides in AI development, ranking among the top 60 AI nations globally.
In 2024, Nigeria’s government took decisive actions to position the country at the forefront of AI innovation. The Ministry funded 45 AI startups, trained civil servants in AI applications, and supported the use of AI in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. These initiatives, according to Dr. Tijani, are aimed at enhancing productivity, governance, and job creation, especially for the country’s youth. He emphasized that these efforts reflect the government’s dedication to building a future-ready digital economy that drives national development.
A major component of Nigeria’s progress in digital governance was the introduction of the Digital Economy Bill and the establishment of data exchange standards to improve collaboration between government agencies. Additionally, efforts to standardize government web design have been undertaken to improve digital public services.
Looking ahead to 2025, Dr. Tijani is hopeful that the groundwork laid in 2024 will yield tangible outcomes. The government plans to launch broadband infrastructure projects, expand digital skills training, and advance AI solutions, all contributing to Nigeria’s status as a technology leader on the global stage. He stated that these initiatives will drive economic growth, create jobs, and solidify Nigeria’s position as a digital powerhouse.
One of the significant projects highlighted by Dr. Tijani is the broadband expansion initiative, which will see the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables across Nigeria. This ambitious project, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), is set to begin in mid-2025 and is expected to enhance connectivity in vital sectors such as security, agriculture, and mining. The project is being funded through government loans and private sector partnerships, with the goal of ensuring reliable, high-quality internet access for all Nigerians, regardless of location.
In terms of human capital development, the Minister noted the success of the 3M TT program, which has already trained 150,000 Nigerians in essential digital skills. The goal is to train 3 million people, positioning Nigeria as a global hub for tech talent. Dr. Tijani believes that by 2025, Nigeria will be a top destination for outsourcing and technology-driven services, with the necessary skills and partnerships to support a growing digital workforce.
With its strategic investments in connectivity, AI, and digital governance, Nigeria is poised to foster inclusive growth and technological innovation, ensuring that its citizens are equipped for the evolving digital landscape. Dr. Tijani’s vision for 2025 emphasizes the transformative potential of these initiatives, which he believes will shape Nigeria’s digital economy and enhance its global standing.
