The United Nations (UN) has reiterated its commitment to supporting Artificial Intelligence (AI) operations in Nigeria to ensure sustainable growth.
Mohamed Fall, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, during the validation of Nigeria AI Readiness Assessment Report (NAIRAR) organised by the UNESCO Abuja office.
NAIRAR, at the final stage of Nigeria’s National AI readiness process, is a key outcome of UNESCO’s implementation of the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in Nigeria, with support from the European Union.
According to him, the NAIRAR initiative seeks to promote operations of the UNESCO Recommendations on the Ethics of AI that were adopted by 193 Member States in 2021, and to strengthen Nigeria’s AI ecosystem through inclusive, ethical and sustainable development.
Mr Fall said: “Today’s validation is not an end. It is a beginning. It calls on all of us to act on the findings of this report. We must work together, across ministries, institutions and communities to implement its recommendations.
“We must ensure that AI in Nigeria grows in ways that protect rights, promote equality and serve development for all.”
He stressed that AI was no longer the future, that it was already here, changing the way that people worked, communicated, learnt and even cared for one another.
He explained that AI regime could power economies, create opportunities for young people, strengthen social services and enable more people reach the SDGs, but that to serve everyone equally, AI must be guided by strong ethical values.
“This is why the NAIRAR is so important. It gives us a clear picture of where Nigeria stands. It shows the strengths that already exist and opportunities to do even better.
“It also reminds us that Nigeria has the human talent, ideas and leadership to make AI a true force for inclusive development.
“Through initiatives such as the National AI Strategy, the three Million Technical Talent Programme and the Nigeria AI Research Scheme, among others, Nigeria is already shaping a vibrant AI ecosystem.
“These are bold steps that can place Nigeria among the leading voices on AI on the continent: such collective effort reflects the spirit of partnership that drives progress.
“Globally, the UN is leading dialogue on responsible use of AI for peace, security and human rights. Our commitment is clear: we will continue to support Nigeria in ensuring innovation is ethical, inclusive and leaves no one behind,” he said.
Speaking during the inauguration, the minister of labour and employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, commended UNESCO’s leadership and the European Union for its support that boosted the realisation of the NAIRAR initiative.
According to him, the world of work is undergoing a profound transformation and AI is not just a technological advancement, but a driver of change that is reshaping economies, industries and societies.
Mr Dingyadi said: “For Nigeria, a country blessed with a young, dynamic and increasingly digital population, Al presents enormous opportunities to accelerate productivity and strengthen service delivery. enhance education, healthcare and create new sectors of economic growth.
“As labour administrators, we are keenly aware of the challenges that this transformation poses. Automation and AI-enabled systems may lead to the displacement of certain jobs, particularly routine and low-skill tasks.
“If not properly managed, this could widen inequalities and leave sections of our workforce behind. Therefore, the Ministry views AI Readiness Assessment not merely as a technical report, but as a strategic guide for the future of work in Nigeria.”
In his goodwill message, the minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, described the NAIRAR as apt; this, according to him, people live at a time where the world is advanced in technology.
“The world we grew up knowing is not the same, in a few years things are already changing fast. Many people are not aware that the ways we do things have transformed and they may never be the same due to AI,” Mr Tijani said.
The head of the civil service of the federation, Esther Wilson-Jack, represented by Faruk Yabo, permanent-secretary, federal ministry of solid minerals development, disclosed that measures would be taken to train civil servants against future challenges of AI.
“We will train not less than 5,000 civil servants on AI, just to ensure that as a government we can use it effectively,” she said.
The event, attended by high-level stakeholders from government, academia, civil society and the private sector, featured presentations of the assessment findings, expert insights and strategic recommendations for Nigeria’s AI future.
The attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, also gave a goodwill message.
(NAN)
