The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, says Nigeria can become a technologically advanced nation through the incorporation and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in all sectors of national life.
In an interview on Arise TV, the minister acknowledged that while AI presents both benefits and challenges, Nigeria cannot overlook its vast potential.
He stated, “What we stand to gain is that we already have young Nigerians building Artificial Intelligence even without significant support. But for the government, and this government in particular, we have that understanding that this is a phenomenon that we cannot look away from.”
Dr. Tijani emphasized the importance of mainstreaming the application of AI, particularly for addressing critical issues in the government’s agenda.
He highlighted the role of AI in data utilization and knowledge acquisition, emphasizing its significance in addressing security concerns and resource allocation.
Addressing concerns about rising crime rates due to AI, the minister expressed optimism, saying, “The glass is half full.”
He pointed to the progress made in establishing robust identification systems like the National Identification Number (NIN), which has covered 90% of the population.
Dr. Tijani emphasized the need for a unified identification system, which would not only combat fraud but also enable better service delivery by understanding the population.
Additionally, he highlighted AI’s potential benefits for various sectors, including agriculture, public health, education, the film industry, and media, further underlining its importance for Nigeria’s technological progress.