The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has urged greater investment in artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation following Nigeria’s placement at 72nd out of 195 countries in global AI readiness.
The appeal was made during a research methodology workshop held in Kano, focusing on assessing AI preparedness at subnational levels.
Speaking at the event, a representative of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Salihu Abdulkarim, noted that Nigeria’s ranking reflects both its progress and the gaps that remain in its digital ecosystem.
According to him, “Nigeria, with 179.6 million mobile subscribers and over 90,000 kilometres of optic fibre network, is projected to generate 18.3 million dollars in 2026, with Information and Communication Technology expected to contribute 21 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product by 2027.”
He also compared Nigeria’s standing with other African countries, highlighting stronger performances by Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa.
Abdulkarim referenced Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, introduced in August 2024, which focuses on key areas such as talent development and research advancement. He further disclosed plans to produce three million technology graduates skilled in AI-related fields.
Despite these efforts, he identified persistent obstacles including infrastructure deficits, fibre optic damage, regulatory challenges, and limited digital access in rural communities. Concerns were also raised about the continued migration of skilled professionals abroad.
“Upscaling is key, but AI will not take over human jobs,” he said.
Representing CITAD, Y.Z. Yau stated that the organisation is currently evaluating the readiness of state governments to adopt AI technologies.
“We want to know if state governments are ready, what infrastructure they have, and how many data centres are available,” he said.
Also speaking, Hafsat Ahmed Kabir emphasized the critical role of infrastructure in AI deployment.
“AI deployment requires computing power, reliable electricity, high-speed internet, data centres, and cloud services because the system depends on processing large amounts of data,” she said.
