The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a $1 trillion economy by leveraging the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this following his recent inclusion in TIME Magazine’s 2025 TIME100 AI list a global recognition of individuals shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Other notable names on the list include Tesla CEO Elon Musk and OpenAI’s Sam Altman.
Tijani described the recognition as a validation of Nigeria’s growing influence in global AI development, adding that it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a tech-driven economy with AI at its core.
“This honour is a reflection of the collective effort of innovators and partners who believe in the potential of AI to transform societies,” he said.
“Our journey in AI over the last two years has been transformative.”
National AI Strategy at the Core
Nigeria’s efforts in AI are anchored on a robust National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), co-created by over 120 Nigerian experts drawn from various disciplines around the world. The strategy focuses on the responsible use and development of AI in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion.
According to the Minister, the government has launched several research and demonstration initiatives to showcase practical use cases of AI across these sectors. These pilot projects, he said, are already showing promising social and economic returns.
“We are facilitating the scaling of mature AI solutions from Nigerian innovators providing resources, mentorship, and the support necessary to translate ideas into impact,” Tijani noted.
Backed by Global Tech Partners
To support these efforts, the government is working closely with global partners including Google, the Gates Foundation, and Luminate, a philanthropic investment firm focused on civic technology. These partnerships have enabled the development of AI tools and platforms tailored to Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
Among the initiatives introduced is the AI Collective a nationwide community of researchers, innovators, and practitioners aimed at fostering collaboration and advancing AI research. Alongside this, the AI Trust, a governance body of national leaders, has been set up to guide long-term investment and policy in the sector.
“As we continue on this journey, my commitment remains clear: to ensure AI not only drives innovation but also contributes to building a $1 trillion economy as envisioned by His Excellency, the President,” Tijani said.
Economic Blueprint Endorsed
The broader framework for Nigeria’s $1 trillion economic target by 2030 was formally adopted by the National Economic Council last week. The strategy cuts across multiple sectors, but digital innovation particularly artificial intelligence is expected to be a central growth engine.
Experts believe AI has the potential to enhance productivity, create new jobs, and unlock opportunities in both urban and rural communities. With deliberate investment and policy direction, Nigeria hopes to position itself as a regional and global leader in AI development.
