Practitioners Seek Integration Of AI Into Public Service Delivery

The National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners (NAAIP) has urged all levels of government to accelerate the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into public service delivery.

The practitioners emphasised its potential to enhance efficiency, transparency and national development.

President of NAAIP, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, made the call at a conference to mark the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Awareness Day at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, yesterday.

Ogunbodede said the 2026 edition of the AI Awareness Day, under the theme “Harnessing Ethical Artificial Intelligence for National Transformation, Inclusive Growth and Economic Resilience,” represents a strategic shift from dialogue to practical implementation.

“We are moving from conversation to application, and from potential to measurable impact. AI could transform Nigeria’s public services, infrastructure, and security systems,” he said.

He also said the association envisions a Nigeria where AI strengthens national infrastructure, supports grassroots economic solutions and drives a resilient, future-ready economy.

Ogunbodede called on federal, state and local governments to deploy AI systems for smarter planning, budgeting, and policy implementation.

He cited examples such as AI-powered predictive maintenance for the national power grid and intelligent traffic management systems in major cities.

“This is not science fiction. These are practical applications that can save billions of naira and improve the lives of millions,” he noted.

The president also urged the private sector to invest in indigenous AI solutions, support startups, and adopt AI to improve operational efficiency and customer experience, calling on academic institutions to embed AI, data science, and digital literacy into curricula and establish interdisciplinary AI research centres focused on local challenges.

Also, the vice-chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, expressed delight that the institution served as the operational base for the meeting.

Represented by Prof. Monioluwa Olaniyi, he commended the association for making it a priority to hold the awareness day annually, ensuring that the general public is enlightened on AI trends.