Experts Urge AI, Tech Adoption To Drive Nigeria’s Economic Diversification

Technology and economic experts on Wednesday in Abuja called for urgently deploying technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate Nigeria’s economic diversification and overall development.

The call was made at a one-day lecture organised by Economic Confidential, where stakeholders highlighted AI as a critical tool for positioning Nigeria within the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution in Abuja yesterday.

Among the panel of experts were the director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Kashifu Inuwa, who delivered the keynote address; special adviser to the President on economic matters, Dr. Tope Fasua; and Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon of the Budget Office of the Federation. Inuwa stated that Nigeria cannot afford to miss the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution after losing out in the first three.

He noted that the digital economy, powered by AI, has the potential to drive up to 20 per cent of the country’s GDP if properly harnessed. “Artificial intelligence is no longer optional but essential. Those who fail to upskill will be replaced. AI can free up 20 per cent of time for higher productivity. Nations leading in AI will lead the world,” he said.

The NITDA boss disclosed that his agency is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into the national curriculum and is also partnering with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to strengthen public service training.

He stressed that cybersecurity must remain a central pillar of the country’s transformation as more Nigerians connect digitally. “Market women can now connect with customers through mobile technology. But as we connect, we must also protect,” he added.

In his contribution, Dr. Olajuwon, representing the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), warned that African nations that fail to embrace the digital revolution risk being left behind.

He said Nigeria, with its large population and abundant talent, must not only adopt technology but also aspire to become an exporter of innovation. He urged leaders to partner with international policymakers to ensure the country leverages its human resources to create and export technology, rather than remain a consumer nation.

Earlier, NIPR president and chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku—represented by Dr. Olajuwon—urged Nigeria to seize the opportunities presented by technology to boost the economy. He said the $1 trillion economy target is achievable if technology is efficiently utilised, but stressed the need to invest in infrastructure, build capacity, and create policies that would enable innovation to thrive. “Our task is clear: we must ensure that Nigeria’s participation in the digital global economy is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable,” he said.

According to him, the lecture theme, “Renewed Hope Agenda for a Digital Global Economy,” is timely given that technology is reshaping governance, trade, healthcare, and education.

He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population and creative energy provide the foundation to become creators and exporters of digital solutions, provided there is collaboration among the government, the private sector, academia, and the media. “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion,” he said, quoting an African proverb highlighting the need for collective action.

The event’s highlight was the unveiling of three new books authored by young journalists: Renewed Hope in Central Banking by Rahman Oladosu, Healing Nigeria: Chronicle of Health by Lawal Mamman and Maimuna Aliyu, and Diplomacy and Digital Innovation: Youth Insight by Fatimah Usman.

In his welcome remarks, CEO of Economic Confidential, Yushau Shuaib, said the lecture was designed to deepen national conversations on digital transformation and repositioning Nigeria’s economy on the global stage.

He added that PRNigeria, through its centres in Abuja, Kano, and Ilorin, continues to mentor aspiring communicators and young professionals, noting that the upcoming second edition of the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship will focus on journalism, AI, social media engagement, and strategic communication.

He also disclosed that more than 70 per cent of PRNigeria staff have authored or co-authored research-based publications, reflecting the organisation’s tradition of combining robust policy dialogue with knowledge-driven outputs.