Grace Ashiru
Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in positioning Nigeria as an economic powerhouse.
“We would be failing our people and future generations if we ignore artificial intelligence because these technologies will shape what you think, how you think, and how you operate,” Tijani remarked during a fireside chat with Tomiwa Aladekomo, CEO of Big Cabal Media, at the Moonshot by TechCabal event in Lagos.
One of the biggest challenges Tijani has faced in his first year in office revolves around the ministry’s AI initiatives. In August 2024, the ministry unveiled the first draft of the national AI strategy and recently launched an AI collective with $1.5 million in funding. Despite these efforts, critics argue that Nigeria’s AI ambitions are premature, citing persistent infrastructure challenges.
Tijani strongly disagrees.
“If you’re going to be visionary, you can’t just focus on the weaker problems,” Tijani said, responding to public criticism about the government’s focus on AI while issues like electricity and education remain unresolved.
The minister sees a significant economic opportunity in digitizing the data required by large language models (LLMs), which currently lack substantial context on Africa. He believes this gap can be filled by Nigerians.
“It’s a business opportunity that Africa, especially Nigeria, should be leading,” Tijani said, emphasizing that the ministry’s AI push is a means of future-proofing the country ahead of the AI age.
Tijani’s vision for Nigeria’s technological progress is anchored in five strategic pillars. The first pillar is talent development. The ministry is focusing on cultivating a “foundational set of talents that can drive progress,” referencing the Three Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme. This initiative aims to build a pipeline of skilled human capital, positioning Nigeria as a “net exporter of talent.”
“If technology is truly to drive growth in Nigeria, the government must invest in talent early,” Tijani noted.
The second pillar is infrastructure. “Without connectivity, no digital technologies can scale,” he said, adding that the ministry plans to expand the country’s fibre backbone by an additional 90,000 km, bringing the total network to 125,000 km.
Policy forms the third pillar of Tijani’s agenda. He stressed the importance of pro-innovation policies, stating, “Our policies should support innovation, not just focus on generating revenue.”
Tijani’s overarching goal, however, is to be remembered for building platforms. He envisions this through a three-pronged approach: expanding Nigeria’s fibre network, introducing a GEO system, and transforming how the government integrates technology into its operations.
In a session with over 3,000 founders, business leaders, innovators, venture capitalists, and regulators, Tijani made it clear that his legacy lies in creating a robust technological framework that will empower Nigeria for years to come.
