The Federal Government has unveiled plans for a pioneering National AI Trust as part of efforts to position Nigeria as a global leader in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, presented the vision during a two-day National AI Trust Convening hosted by Warwick Business School (WBS) in London.
The gathering brought together senior government officials, international AI experts, business leaders, academics, and public interest groups to discuss the framework for the proposed AI Trust, which is expected to guide Nigeria’s adoption of artificial intelligence, promote responsible innovation, and attract investment into the sector.
According to Dr. Tijani, the initiative is designed to place Nigeria at the forefront of AI development, not only in Africa but globally.
“We are going to become a standard bearer for the world. This has never been done before; the AI Trust is one of its kind and is an important step in building the foundations for Nigeria to thrive in the age of AI,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a key driver of economic competitiveness and business transformation across the world. He noted that the government’s role is to provide the necessary infrastructure and governance framework that will enable businesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs to maximize the opportunities presented by AI.
The proposed AI Trust is expected to complement ongoing digital infrastructure projects, including Project BRIDGE, the Federal Government’s ambitious initiative aimed at deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable across Nigeria while mobilising $2 billion in investment.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and underscores the country’s ambition to become a leading force in the global AI ecosystem.
