Nigeria took a giant leap into the future with the launch of its National Artificial Intelligence Trust. The Federal Executive Council’s approval, announced by Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, signaled the nation’s commitment to harnessing the power of AI responsibly and inclusively. “Our commitment to position Nigeria as a leading voice in Artificial Intelligence received a significant boost,” Tijani stated in a post on X.
This groundbreaking initiative establishes Nigeria as a pioneer in the global AI landscape. The National Artificial Intelligence Trust, a first of its kind, will be comprised of ten leading AI experts, along with the Ministers of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, and Science, Innovation and Technology. Its purpose is multifaceted: to mobilize resources, provide strategic oversight, and guide the development of AI across the nation.
Minister Tijani emphasized the Trust’s crucial role in securing Nigeria’s AI investments. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, the Trust will focus on future-proofing investments across key economic sectors, driving job creation, and attracting foreign direct investment. This forward-thinking approach underscores the government’s understanding of AI’s power to reshape the economic landscape.
This development builds upon the Ministry’s earlier announcements. In August 2023, plans were unveiled to create a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Nigeria. This strategy aims to responsibly guide the AI revolution, aligning it with national goals of job creation, social inclusion, and sustainable development. The initiative also incorporates and expands upon the National Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) existing plan to develop a national AI strategy.
Crucially, the government is actively seeking input from leading Nigerian AI researchers worldwide. As Minister Tijani explained in 2023, the goal is to curate a list of top researchers of Nigerian descent globally to co-create this vital national strategy. This inclusive approach ensures that the strategy benefits from the expertise of those who understand the global AI landscape and have experience with the Nigerian market. By incorporating their insights, the government aims to create more effective and impactful tech innovations, ultimately leading to a more robust and dynamic tech ecosystem. The launch of the National AI Trust is a tangible demonstration of this commitment, paving the way for a future where AI empowers Nigerians and drives national progress