NATIONAL AI STRATEGY

A Strategy outlines Nigeria's approach to becoming a leading AI nation in Africa by promoting ethical AI adoption and innovation. It targets citizens, especially youth, businesses, government institutions, and schools to build skills and foster partnerships. This aims to drive economic growth and position Nigeria as a global AI leader.

What Is This Policy?

The National AI Strategy is Nigeria’s blueprint for becoming an AI powerhouse in Africa, ensuring that AI adoption is regulated, ethical, and inclusive, while driving innovation and economic growth.

Who Does It Target?

The National AI Strategy targets citizens (especially youth), businesses, government institutions, schools, research hubs, and international partners. Its goal is to equip Nigerians with AI skills, foster innovation, improve governance, and position Nigeria as a global AI leader.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

It aims to make Nigeria a global AI powerhouse, while driving the economic growth and innovation to build a skilled workforce.

Key Features

Vision & Guiding Principles: Establish Nigeria as a global leader in AI innovation. Strategic Objectives: It builds a skilled workforce with AI competencies (target: 70% of youth AI-skilled by 2030) and also driving economic growth through AI- powered startups and industries. Strategic Pillars: It supports startups, research institutions, and private sector AI initiatives.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: active in its implementation phase Coverage: applies nationwide Beneficiaries to Date: Citizens, Businesses, Government, Education Sector. Funding: Government Funding and private sector contributions.

How to Access

Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (FMCIDE) Website: www.commtech.gov.ng Provides official documents, press releases, and updates. National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Website: www.nitda.gov.ng Hosts resources on AI adoption, training, and compliance.

Important Terms

Term 1-Vision & Guiding Principles: Defines Nigeria’s ambition to become a global leader in AI innovation and the principles include ethics, inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration. Term 2-Implementation Plan: Includes pilot programs, institutional arrangements, and monitoring mechanisms and ensures alignment with Nigeria’s Digital Economy Policy (2020–2030).

Official Resources

Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (FMCIDE) Website: www.commtech.gov.ng Contact: [email protected] National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Implements AI-related programs and oversees the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). Website: www.nitda.gov.ng Contact: [email protected]

Legal Framework

The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy operates under the National Information Technology Development Agency Act 2007, the Data Protection Act 2023, and the Nigeria Startup Act 2022. It aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020, the Cybercrimes Act 2015, and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. International alignment is with the OECD Principles on AI, the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, and the African Union's Continental AI Strategy.