The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has emphasised the need for Nigeria to join developed countries in tapping into Artificial Intelligence for speedy development and productivity.

Tijani disclosed this at the closing of the I-FAIR Israel-Nigeria 2023-2024 cohort in Abuja on Thursday.

The minister, who spoke on,‘Nigeria’s vision for Digital Entrepreneurship and innovation’, noted that developing countries such as Nigeria would benefit more from AI if prioritised, especially in the area of industries where the country is currently struggling.

He said, “The Federal Government is also planning on prioritising Artificial Intelligence. Every developed country in the world is freaking out about development in Artificial Intelligence. In reality, they do not have the workforce to power it.

“If we do not take advantage of being part of the AI, even if it is just to provide the workforce, we are wasting time. In two to three years, AI will prompt how you think and what you do. AI will prompt development.

“In the next five to 10 years, we might start crying about discrimination most of which will be racial because AI is based on datasets. The current dataset that is feeding AI is coming from ready countries but if we do not want this to happen to Nigerians, we have to join the game. AI will change how we do agriculture, education, healthcare, and productivity.

“We have better opportunities with AI than the developed world. It helps us to become productive in industries and sectors where we are currently weak. However, we cannot carry out this without entrepreneurs. So the government has a clear plan to support entrepreneurs.”

The minister added that President Bola Tinub’s administration is also prioritising developing the technology workforce so that Nigeria could become an exporter.

He added, “One of the things I am going to prioritise at the end of the first term of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is that the talent technology workforce that Nigeria will have will be more than enough to power technology development in the country and also the country can be a net exporter of technology talents.

“I will also prioritise connectivity. The digital economy cannot thrive if the cost of connectivity is not reasonable. It has to be available everywhere you go in the country. Even villages should have access to connectivity. For me, prioritising the complete deployment of the fibre active network which Nigeria must achieve in the next two-three years and we have the backing of the President.”

In his remarks, the Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Freeman, noted that I-FAIR is committed to supporting innovation and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs in Nigeria, to transform their ideas into viable solutions and sustainable ventures.

Freeman further said, “Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda resonates with the I-FAIR programme championing growth, empowerment and prosperity in Nigeria with the focus on nurturing talents of Nigerians.

“This programme aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for propelling Nigerians towards excellence, innovations, and digital economy where job creation is very important.”

The I-FAIR is an initiative launched by the Embassy of the State of Israel in Nigeria and implemented in collaboration with Innov8 Hub.

It offers a tailored six-month comprehensive Venture Creation, Innovation, and Technology Development Program for Nigerian entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, and inventors.

With a specific focus on addressing local challenges through innovative solutions, I-FAIR provides participants with essential resources and dedicated support to transform their concepts into sustainable ventures.