The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and the Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has recently disclosed that the federal government intends to utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate over 50,000 new jobs by the year 2030. He disclosed this information to the public when he published the ministry’s plan for the following four years. The minister also made references to the PwC Report in the 31-page paper titled ‘Accelerating Our Collective Prosperity Through Technical Efficiency.’
In contrast, the McKinsey Global Institute Analysis and the Accenture Report both came to the findings that artificial intelligence would usher in a new age of technological as well as economic transformation over the course of the next two decades. He stated that because Nigeria is a developing economy, it is vital that it establishes a far-reaching national policy that capitalises on the potential of AI in a manner that is inclusive as well as responsible.
Nigeria position as a global hub for AI will be increased.
As a result of this, Tijani stated that the most populous black nation is pursuing an innovative strategy to provide the necessary skills and perspective to develop a plan that is oriented towards the future. The strategy’s implementation is anticipated to, among other things, increase Nigeria standing as a top 10 global hub for AI model training and talents. Moreover, he asserted, they will establish Nigeria as a frontrunner among nations in the race to increase diversity in artificial intelligence data sets.
He also stated that the goal is to be in the top 50 in the world by 2030 in terms of AI preparedness and adoption across all parameters like computer power, knowledge, data availability, ethics, and governance, up from the current position of 96. He said that the plan’s five fundamental pillars are knowledge; policy; infrastructure; innovation, entrepreneurship, capital(IEC); and trade. Each pillar, he explained, is fundamental to the ministry’s mission and is linked to the others to form the basis of the strategy.
Power of technology would be harnessed to raise the standard of living.
Explaining further, he added that knowledge is the basis upon which innovation is constructed and that it is built upon the cornerstone of effective policy. While innovation and entrepreneurship are the main drivers of economic diversification, infrastructure is the indispensable support system upon which a vibrant digital economy must be built. Their dedication to global collaboration and partnership is reflected in the fifth pillar, which is trade. They recognise that innovation is not constrained by geographical boundaries.
As they set off for this transformative adventure, they do it with a firm resolve. They are aware that the path that lies ahead may be difficult, but they recognise that it is precisely through these difficulties that they will discover the motivation to develop and change. Together, they will harness the power of technology to raise the standard of living for all Nigerians, promote Nigeria standing on the global stage, and generate employment opportunities that are both sustainable and long-term.
About $15.7 trillion would be added to the global economy through AI.
Lastly, as part of the process of developing Nigeria National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, the minister issued a call for applications from researchers of Nigerian descent globally in August. Tijani made the announcement on X (Twitter) and asked the people to recommend any outstanding scientists they might know. He stated that recent studies (PwC, 2018) showed that by 2030, Al may add up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy through higher productivity (in the amount of $3 trillion) and new products and services (in the amount of $9.1 trillion).
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