INTRO 

This week [Apr. 15 – 19], the Honourable Minister, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani welcomed over 120 stakeholders working  in Artificial Intelligence from all over the world as they converged in Abuja to co-create Nigeria’s National AI Strategy which will form the framework of the application of the transformative technology for our collective prosperity.

KEY FOCUS

Artificial Intelligence for Development: The development of Nigeria’s national Artificial Intelligence Strategy was the key focus as the Ministry collaborated with local and international partners, experts, and stakeholders towards co-creating a framework for the future of AI in Nigeria. Significant announcements were made and additional partnerships were established as we advance on our AI journey. 

Infrastructure Development: To improve overall service quality, the Honourable Minister engaged extensively with heads of Agencies of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Galaxy Backbone Limited, and others. 

TIMELINE

Monday: 

• Dr. Tijani started the week by declaring open the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) Workshop in Abuja. The Workshop brought together top Nigerian AI researchers and practitioners, technology companies, entrepreneurs, and other groups to co-create a comprehensive National Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy. 
• Following the opening ceremony, the Honourable Minister met with the Management of Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) led by its Managing Director/CEO, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju to deliberate on strategies to help lay the groundwork for revitalising and re-engineering the organisation for improved service delivery. Dr. Tijani charged the management team to take advantage of diverse opportunities towards making GBB viable and capable to drive the transformation of government services.

Tuesday: 

• The Honourable Minister met with Elsie Attafuah, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative for Nigeria in his office to discuss the organisation’s initiatives such as the first generation UniPods, and support for the NAIS Workshop which commenced on Monday. Dr. Tijani also commended the UNDP for its commitment to collaborate effectively with the Ministry towards leveraging technology for inclusive growth.
• He then attended the 3rd edition of DevsInGovernment themed, ‘Tech Leadership in Government: Empowering Civil Servants for Innovation’. At the event, he moderated a panel session where six innovators from across the Civil Service shared insights into their experience leading innovation from within government.

*Ahmed Ahmed (Enterprise Content Management)

*Ahmed Yusuf (Time and Attendance Application)

*Oriyomi Olukunbi (Web-based Application to Verify Contractors’ Credentials)

*Titilayo Eme Jimeta (Stakeholder Task-Trigger Information Management System)

*Ogunniyi Simone (Web-based Application to Manage Allocation of Personal Information Technology Devices)

*Adegbola Toluwalope (MPA Savings and Loans Cooperative Solution)

Wednesday: 

• Dr. Tijani attended the inaugural Lagos Leadership Summit where he spoke to participants on the topic, ‘Leadership and Community Engagement’. In his address, he highlighted the impact of modern technology on the evolution of leadership and how to take advantage for effective engagement with citizens. The event was attended by several notable personalities including the Executive Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwoolu; Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; and former Governor of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), among others.  

Thursday: 

• The Honourable Minister met with a delegation from the ​​South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency to discuss their plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence Development Centre in Nigeria. Dr. Tijani highlighted the potential application of AI in developing key areas of the economy including agriculture, health, and education, while urging the South Korean delegation to do more in building a sustainable, mutually beneficial partnership with Nigeria. Present at the meeting were Ji Unjong, Executive Principal, IAC Projects, National Information Society Agency (NIA), South Korea; Viola Askia Usoro, Group Head Corporate Services, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), and others.
• He then had an extended meeting with the management team from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to firm up plans towards improving the overall quality of experience of customers utilising telecoms networks. The NCC team was led by its Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida.
• Dr. Tijani proceeded to the venue of the NAIS Workshop where he addressed delegates at the workshop closing session. The Honourable Minister acknowledged the commendable work put in by participants and partners in developing a far-reaching national AI Strategy, while highlighting the uniqueness of Nigeria’s human-centred design approach towards developing the strategy. The Workshop was supported by several organisations including Luminate, Google, Meta, Microsoft, NITDA, NCAIR, NCC, UNESCO, UNDP, Galaxy Backbone Limited, and USPF.
• To wrap up the day, the Honourable Minister attended the Closing Dinner marking the end of the 4-day NAIS Workshop where he announced significant partnerships and projects that signal next steps in Nigeria’s AI development journey. The announcements include the the set up of the Nigeria AI Collective sponsored by Luminate, the relaunch of the National Centre for Al and Robotics (NCAIR) with support from Cisco, launch of the first Nigerian Multilingual Large Language Model in partnership with Awarri and DataDotOrg and the kick-off of Nigeria’s Computing Infrastructure Pilot project with support from 21st Century Technologies.