Nigeria can accelerate growth, development if leverage on AI tool – FG

The Federal Government has said that Nigeria can achieve its Development Agenda and accelerate the machinery of growth if it leverages on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a one major tool.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo stated this during the opening Technical Session of the 12th Regular meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy ( NCCIDE) with the theme: ” Accelerating the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence through Policy and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”, that is ongoing in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Considering the pivotal role of AI in driving developmental progress across key sectors of the national economy, including Health care, Agriculture, Education, Environmental protection and Infrastructure among others, the perm sec said that the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) in the last few years, has taken various initiatives in AI considering Government’s stance in achieving a globally competitive economy.

“The ministry has dedicated National Centre for AI and Robotics ( NCAIR), set up as a digital innovation and research facility focused on AI, Robotic s and Drones, Internet of Things (IoT) and on emerging technologies, aimed at transforming the Nigerian digital economy in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy ( NDEPS) 2020-2030.

“The ongoing nationwide talent development of 3MTT, is aimed to train three million digital talents with a view to positioning Nigeria as a global hub for the application of AI.
“The recent effort of the ministry to drive home- grown research through the provision of research grants to forty- five AI starts- ups and researchers through the Nigeria’s AI Research Scheme (NAIRS) in critical sectors of the country is evident of emerging Nigeria’s talent and entrepreneurial ecosystem”, he added.

According to the statement released by the Ministry, Engr. Faruk further said that the boundaries of Nigeria’ s AI efforts extends beyond her domestic lines.

He recalled that in 2023, Nigeria signed the Bietch-ley Declaration on AI along with twenty-eight other nations, including UK and France, committing to AI development that mitigates risk.

The perm sec equally told the Council members that, Nigeria also joined eighteen different countries globally that adopted the United State- led coalition to ensure AI is securedly designed as a catalyst for humongous development.
To achieve this purpose of acceleration and enhancement, the perm sec added that the Ministry has ensured the provision of adequate infrastructure through the Right-of -Way policy where telecom operators pay state governments to lay fiber optic cables that carry internet traffic.

In view of the turning point in Nigeria’s journey to greatness, Engr. Faruk is optimistic that with the critical mass of experts and policy makers, Nigeria can achieve much with AI tool.

He hinted that the Council members at the ongoing event are expected to review the implementation of resolutions reached at the 11th Council meeting.

He aslo remarked that the crucial interaction at the venue of the meeting will no doubt, represents the collective efforts towards repositioning the country in line with President Bola Tinubu’s administration of Renewed Hope Agenda.

He extended the Honourable Minister’s goodwill and thanks to the Executive Governor, Rev Fr. Dr. Hycinth Iormen Alia, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Dr.Sam Ode and to Benue State Government Executives for hosting them in the state.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor Barr. Dr. Sam Ode said that, there is no gainsay that “no country, state or community can develop without embracing digital economy”.

He said since the assumption of office, the Governor started by hitting the ground running through the deployment of ICT to develop the state.

He said the state government sent a team to visit China, Kigali and Dubai to participate in high profile progrommes that will help to grow its nascent ICT.

Also, the Honourable Commissioner, Benue State Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Kwahgba Amande said his home state government has projected to train fifty thousands youths with digital talents like its federal counterpart.

He mentioned that the first batch of three thousand trainees are about to graduate and to be certified by NITDA. The progromme will continue till Friday, December 6, 2024.