Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has stated that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform Nigeria into a leading economic power, urging the nation to embrace AI technologies as a crucial component of its future development strategy.
During a fireside chat with Tomiwa Aladekomo, CEO of Big Cabal Media, at the Moonshot by TechCabal event in Lagos, Tijani emphasized the critical role AI can play in shaping the country’s economic landscape. “We would have failed our people and future generations if we ignore artificial intelligence because these technologies will dictate what we think, how we think, and how we do everything,” he asserted.
Since taking office, Tijani has been at the forefront of championing AI adoption despite facing criticism for prioritizing these technologies amidst Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges. In August 2024, the ministry introduced the first draft of the National AI Strategy, followed by the launch of an AI collective supported by $1.5 million in funding. While some skeptics have argued that these initiatives are premature given existing issues like electricity and education, Tijani remains resolute.
“The reality is that if you’re going to be visionary, you cannot just focus on the weaker problems,” he stated in response to those who believe the government should direct its resources elsewhere. According to Tijani, Nigeria is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for data required by large language models (LLMs). He views the current lack of African context within global AI tools as a gap that can be bridged by Nigerians, turning it into a significant economic opportunity.
“It’s a business opportunity that continents like Africa should be leading,” Tijani noted, adding that the ministry’s AI push is a way of future-proofing Nigeria for the coming age of artificial intelligence.
Tijani has laid out a five-pillar strategic plan for the ministry, aimed at fostering growth and development within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. The first pillar focuses on talent development, with the ministry aiming to nurture a skilled workforce through the ambitious Three Million Technical Talents (3MTT) program. The initiative is designed to create a steady pipeline of technical experts, positioning Nigeria as a net exporter of talent in the global marketplace.
“If technology is truly going to drive growth in Nigeria, the government must invest in talent very early,” he stressed.
Another critical component of the plan is infrastructure development. To facilitate a robust digital economy, the ministry plans to expand Nigeria’s fibre backbone network by an additional 90,000 kilometers, bringing the total to 125,000 kilometers. “Without connectivity, digital technologies cannot truly scale,” he explained.
The third pillar is policy reform. Tijani advocated for policies that prioritize innovation over mere revenue generation. “Our policies should be pro-innovation and not just be there for revenues,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his long-term goals, Tijani expressed his desire to be remembered as a minister who laid the groundwork for transformative platforms. He envisions a three-pronged approach to boosting Nigeria’s digital ecosystem: expanding the nation’s fibre backbone, introducing a geospatial observation (GEO) system, and redefining how technology is utilized by the government.
His ambitious agenda was shared before a crowd of over 3,000 industry stakeholders, including founders, business leaders, venture capitalists, and regulators. “I want to be remembered as the minister who built platforms,” he concluded, signaling his intent to leave a lasting legacy on Nigeria’s digital and economic future.
