The Nigerian government has unveiled plans to leverage Artificial Intelligence to drive its ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy. According to Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, this goal is part of President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the country’s economic growth. Tijani’s statement follows his recognition by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential personalities in AI in 2025, alongside notable figures such as Elon Musk and Sam Altman.
The minister emphasized the transformative potential of AI, citing the country’s national strategy, research programs, and collaborations with foreign technology firms. He highlighted the progress made in AI over the last two years, including the development of a National AI Strategy, which involved over 120 experts of Nigerian descent. This strategy aims to promote the responsible use and development of AI in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion.
To achieve its economic goals, the government is facilitating the scaling of mature AI solutions developed by Nigerian innovators, providing resources, mentorship, and support necessary to translate ideas into impact. Additionally, the government has launched the AI Collective, a community of proactive AI researchers and practitioners, to ensure the long-term sustainability of AI in Nigeria.
The framework for Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target was recently announced and endorsed by the National Economic Council. The government has been piloting AI applications in key areas, including healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion, with support from partners such as Google and the Gates Foundation. To sustain the momentum, the government has also established the AI Trust, a body of national leaders tasked with steering long-term investments in the sector.
The recognition of Nigeria’s growing role in shaping the global future of Artificial Intelligence underscores the country’s commitment to harnessing the potential of AI to drive economic growth and transformation. With a clear roadmap and intent to realize its economic aspirations by 2030, Nigeria’s leadership is poised to make significant strides in leveraging AI to achieve its development goals.
