The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, has called on Nigerians to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the economic advancement of the country.
Mrs. Esuabana made this call at the Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community Conference (G-STIC 2025) held in Abuja. The conference was organised under the distinguished Chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Innovation, Science and Technology and the House Committee on Science, Technology and Engineering, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology through its agency, the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM).
According to the Permanent Secretary, Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming key sectors such as agriculture, health, education, energy, and governance. She stated that “AI has the potential to optimise production, predict climate risk, enhance policy efficiency, and create entirely new forms of value in the digital economy of any nation.”
Mrs. Esuabana further noted that Artificial Intelligence can be used both positively and negatively, stressing the importance of using it for national development. “Nigerians must use the positive side of AI for the betterment of the nation,” she said.
Reflecting on the Covid-19 pandemic, she highlighted how African scientists developed innovative solutions that helped prevent widespread fatalities. “Africans did not die as expected because our scientists did not relent in innovating solutions that prevented the spread of the disease,” she added. She encouraged participants at the conference to make good use of the training and contribute positively to Nigeria’s economic growth.
She also urged stakeholders in the innovation and technology sector to work together to build a strong and sustainable nation.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Innovation, Science and Technology, Senator Iya Abbas, described technology as the foundation of national development. He said, “Technology is the bedrock of development of any nation. Nigeria must fully deploy emerging technologies to achieve remarkable economic development as no nation has ever developed without the full deployment of technology.”
Similarly, the Chairman, House Committee on Innovation, Science and Technology, Hon. Inuwa Garba, emphasised that technology is central to human survival. “Technology is the fundamental of human existence, which everyone depends on. This conference is apt because this is where knowledge meets application to offer solutions to all the challenges faced in recent times,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of NACETEM, Dr. Olushola Odusanya, explained that the G-STIC conference is an international platform that promotes the acceleration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through technology and innovation. He added that the conference will explore how Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies can shape the future of work, education, and enterprises in Nigeria, while also enhancing professional capacity through insights from leading experts in AI, systems thinking, and systems dynamics.
Other goodwill messages at the event stressed that no country can afford to ignore the advancement of emerging technologies, which are transforming economies worldwide, and Nigeria must not be left behind.