Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced plans for a new $1.5 million initiative aimed at advancing artificial intelligence in the country.
The announcement was made during an interview with Arise TV following his participation in the recent United Nations General Assembly.
The initiative, supported by Luminate, a global foundation dedicated to enhancing access to information and rights, will be launched on October 7th in Abuja. This funding comes shortly after the Ministry introduced a N100 million AI fund in collaboration with Google, which received criticism from the tech community for being insufficient to drive significant AI advancements.
Addressing the criticism, Tijani clarified that the feedback regarding the N100 million fund stemmed from a misunderstanding. He emphasized that the government’s strategy involves pooling resources and not limiting efforts to local funding alone. “On October 7th in Abuja, we are launching an additional $1.5 million in support from Luminate,” he stated.
Additionally, Tijani announced the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Trust, developed in collaboration with AI Collaborative. This initiative aims to promote the use of local languages in AI development and ensure that Nigeria’s AI advancements are ethical, safe, and sustainable. “As we develop our large language models and digitize data, we will monetize these efforts, with proceeds reinvested into the Trust to further support AI development,” he explained.
When asked about the balance between high-level technology initiatives and addressing grassroots challenges, Tijani acknowledged that large-scale projects may not receive immediate recognition or understanding. However, he stressed the long-term benefits of such initiatives, particularly in infrastructure development.
He pointed to the government’s ongoing project to install 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables across Nigeria. While the project will take 18 months to secure the necessary $2 billion funding and an additional 2-3 years for full installation, Tijani believes it is crucial for the country’s future.
“I don’t expect immediate applause, as progress takes time,” he said, adding that these projects will ultimately help alleviate many pressing issues.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s 3 Million Technical Talent initiative, which is creating job opportunities for many Nigerians, especially those trained through its programs. Additionally, the government’s 774 Project aims to connect local government secretariats to enhance grassroots service delivery.
In April, Tijani announced the launch of AI Collective, a community focused on fostering an inclusive AI ecosystem in Nigeria. Following this, Luminate pledged $1.5 million over the next three years to support the work of the three organizations managing the AI Collective: Data Science Nigeria, Lagos Business School, and the Center for Journalism, Innovation, and Development. This funding will facilitate collaboration across civil society, academia, and the tech sector to enhance governance, research, and innovation in AI.
The AI Collective operates under the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, further solidifying Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence for national development.
