According to Cointelegraph, Nigeria is inviting scientists of Nigerian heritage and globally renowned experts who have worked within the Nigerian market to collaborate in the formulation of its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced that the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has initiated the development of a National AI Strategy. This move will impact how the government formulates new technological solutions for its critical national challenges, and the government is broadening its co-creation strategy by assembling a selection of leading AI researchers with Nigerian heritage from around the world.
The Nigerian government recognizes that AI has developed into a versatile technology, reshaping production and services, and holds immense potential for influencing societal progress and economic expansion. A PricewaterhouseCoopers study suggests that artificial intelligence could contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with approximately $3 trillion attributed to enhanced productivity and $9.1 trillion arising from novel goods and services.
A white paper titled "Co-creating a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Nigeria" referenced in the minister's post reveals that a sophisticated method was used to pinpoint accomplished AI researchers with Nigerian roots, using global AI publication data and advanced machine learning models. A distinctive research index, similar to the "h-index," was created to locate influential AI researchers of Nigerian heritage. As the preliminary research phase concludes, the Nigerian Government seeks public involvement, acknowledging the potential for errors and aiming to tap into collective knowledge and insights.
Local media reports indicate that Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of NITDA, has revealed intentions to establish communities of AI developers nationwide, with the goal of influencing the country's technological future. He mentioned that their initiative will commence in three states in 2023, followed by strategic planning for its extension to additional states and eventually encompassing local government areas.