The Nigerian Federal Government has launched a major Artificial Intelligence (AI) training initiative for its public service in partnership with technology giant Google.
The programme, unveiled in Abuja, aims to equip thousands of civil servants and government leaders with the skills needed to integrate AI into daily operations. The government frames the move as a crucial step towards transforming governance and achieving President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious plan to build a $1 trillion economy.
The initiative is delivered through the Apolitical Government AI Campus, a global hub for AI excellence in government supported by Google.
Integrating AI into Governance
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, stated that AI is now central to the productivity of key sectors including food security, education, and healthcare. He stressed that previous government investments in national AI strategy would be meaningless without empowering civil servants to use the technology.
“We need to accelerate the understanding among our civil servants but also accelerate the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence into how we do things in government,” Mr. Tijani said.
Google’s Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for West Africa, Adewolu Adene, explained that the programme will follow a phased approach:
- Senior Decision-Makers: Training to ensure high-level understanding of AI’s strategic importance.
- Middle-Level Executives: Focus on strategically applying AI to daily government processes.
- All Civil Servants: Training on using specific AI tools for improved service delivery.
Global Opportunity
Google officials highlighted the global significance of the move. Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa, said the partnership was an investment in the people who shape Nigeria’s future, enabling more efficient service delivery.
The launch referenced research indicating that AI could potentially deliver up to $1.75 trillion in annual global productivity gains for the public sector by 2033. Officials described the initiative as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for Nigeria’s public service to transition toward an “intelligent government” and firmly position the country in the global race for AI adoption.
Add Comment