The United Nations has reiterated its commitment to supporting Artificial Intelligence operations in Nigeria, saying that responsible and inclusive use of the technology will help drive sustainable growth.
Mohamed Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, made this known in Abuja on Thursday during the validation of the Nigeria AI Readiness Assessment Report, NAIRAR. The programme was organised by the UNESCO Abuja office with backing from the European Union.
The NAIRAR marks the final stage of Nigeria’s National AI readiness process. It is a major outcome of UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology, which has been carried out to support the country’s digital economy and strengthen its Artificial Intelligence ecosystem.
According to Fall, the initiative will help promote the UNESCO Recommendations on the Ethics of AI adopted by 193 member states in 2021. He explained that the findings will guide Nigeria in creating an AI framework that is ethical, inclusive and sustainable.
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 noted that Artificial Intelligence was no longer the future but already influencing daily life, including work, communication, education and healthcare. He added that AI could transform economies, create opportunities for young people, improve social services and accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. However, he warned that technology must be guided by strong ethical values to benefit everyone.
“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,” he said.
Fall further highlighted initiatives such as the National AI Strategy, the Three Million Technical Talent Programme and the Nigeria AI Research Scheme, describing them as bold steps that show the country is shaping a vibrant Artificial Intelligence 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,” he explained.
He also stated that the United Nations is leading global dialogue on responsible 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,” Fall added.
During the same event, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, commended UNESCO and the European Union for their role in the project. He explained that Artificial Intelligence is not just a technological development but a driver of change that is transforming industries, economies and societies.
“For Nigeria, a country blessed with a young, dynamic and increasingly digital population, AI presents enormous opportunities to accelerate productivity and strengthen service delivery, enhance education, healthcare and create new sectors of economic growth,” Dingyadi said.
He, however, raised concerns about the challenges that come with automation. “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,” he stated.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, described the NAIRAR as timely. He said that rapid technological changes are already transforming the way people live and work.
“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,” Tijani said.
Also at the validation exercise, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Wilson-Jack, represented by Faruk Yabo, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, revealed that the federal government will take steps to equip civil servants with AI skills.
“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 announced.
The validation meeting was attended by stakeholders from government, academia, civil society and the private sector. It featured expert presentations, analysis of assessment findings and recommendations for Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence future.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, also gave a goodwill message, joining other leaders in stressing the importance of building a strong AI framework that prioritises inclusivity, innovation and digital growth.