Nigeria
has become one of the pioneering African countries to announce its Artificial
Intelligence (AI) strategic framework. The National Artificial Intelligence
Strategy Report, drafted by a team of Nigerian AI experts and enthusiasts from
around the world, was released today by the Minister of Communications,
Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. 'Bosun Tijani.
In
his address on LinkedIn, Dr. Tijani stated: "Last April we brought
together Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts of Nigerian descent to support us
in developing a document that will serve as a roadmap towards achieving our
aspiration to participate actively in leveraging the ethical use of AI for
national development. I'm therefore pleased to release the draft document —
which has been carefully reviewed by all participants from the workshop — to
the public to receive your input and further dissect its content."
The
report outlines a comprehensive framework for the adoption and implementation
of AI in Nigeria, with a focus on ethical and responsible use. This milestone
marks a significant step towards harnessing the potential of AI to drive
economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the lives of Nigerians.
The
strategy document is the result of collaborative efforts between public and
private sector stakeholders, aiming to ensure AI readiness and adoption in
various sectors. The report's vision and mission statement emphasize the
importance of ethical and responsible AI use, paving the way for a future where
AI benefits all Nigerians.
Dr.
Tijani emphasized that the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS)
will help Nigeria to responsibly steer the AI revolution towards achieving its
goals around job creation, social inclusion, and sustainable development. The
minister invited the public to provide input and further dissect the content of
the document, demonstrating the government's commitment to transparency and
collaboration in shaping the country's AI future.
By: Nana Appiah
Acquaye