Nigeria and other developing countries risk falling behind in the global artificial intelligence transition unless they move quickly to adapt the technology to local needs, World Bank Chief Economist Indermit Gill has warned.
The warning highlights a growing divide between countries building AI capacity and those consuming tools created elsewhere. For Nigeria, the central challenge is not simply access to popular applications, but the development of skills, infrastructure, reliable data and governance systems that allow AI to solve local problems.
Where Nigeria could gain
AI could improve agricultural planning, medical screening, public administration, logistics, education and access to financial services. Nigerian companies are already experimenting with automation and data-driven services, but adoption remains uneven.
Unreliable electricity, expensive computing capacity, limited research funding and shortages of specialised talent can slow progress. Many local organisations also hold fragmented or low-quality data, which limits the usefulness of advanced systems.
Local adaptation and responsible use
Imported AI products may not reflect Nigerian languages, laws, social conditions or public-service realities. Building locally relevant datasets and testing systems across diverse communities will be necessary to avoid inaccurate or discriminatory outcomes.
Faster adoption should therefore be matched by safeguards for privacy, cybersecurity, accountability and human oversight. Schools and universities need stronger programmes in mathematics, computing, data science and practical AI deployment. Public institutions should also establish clear procurement and evaluation standards before adopting automated decision systems.
The opportunity is substantial because Nigeria has a large young population, a growing technology sector and an extensive diaspora of skilled professionals. Converting those advantages into economic value will require coordinated investment, not isolated pilot projects.
Source: Punch, July 30, 2026.