By Juliet Umeh

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has said that there is hope for Nigeria becoming a greater artificial intelligence, AI nation in 2025.

This is as he also claimed that some of the initiatives that they did in 2024 got Nigeria among the 60 AI nations in the world. He spoked in a television interview monitored in Lagos.

The Minister stated that Nigeria is gaining recognition as a leader in artificial intelligence as it is now ranked among the top 60 countries globally.

He noted that: “In 2024, the government funded 45 AI startups, trained civil servants, and supported innovative applications in agriculture, healthcare, and education.

He said: “We are leveraging AI to drive productivity, enhance governance, and create jobs for our youth. These efforts reflect our commitment to building a future-ready digital economy.”

Digital economy and governance

This year also marked advancements in digital governance, with the drafting of the Digital Economy Bill and the introduction of data exchange standards for inter-agency collaboration. Efforts to standardize government web design are also underway to improve public digital service delivery

“The Digital Economy Bill will redefine Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, prioritizing transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity,” stated Dr. Tijani

2025 plans.

The coming year promises tangible results from these initiatives. Broadband infrastructure projects will commence, digital skills training will scale, and AI solutions will advance, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a global technology leader.

Tijani expressed hope that “2024 laid the groundwork.

He stated: “In 2025, we’ll see the tangible impacts of these efforts, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and solidifying Nigeria as a digital powerhouse.”

With strategic investments in connectivity, talent development, AI, and governance, Nigeria is charting a bold course for its digital future, ensuring inclusive growth and innovation for its citizens.

He reflected on other aspects of Nigeria’s technology and digital economy sector, including

*Broadband expansion

According to the Minister, “The Federal Executive Council, FEC approved the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables nationwide.

“This ambitious project, funded through government loans and private sector partnerships, is set to launch mid-2025 and aims to provide high-quality connectivity across sectors such as security, agriculture, and mining.

“The backbone of digital connectivity is crucial. This investment ensures every Nigerian can access reliable and high-quality connectivity, regardless of their location.”

 Developing human capital

Since its launch in 2023, the 3M TT programme has trained 150,000 Nigerians in critical digital skills, with a goal to train 3 million participants. The initiative positions Nigeria as a global hub for tech talent, driving opportunities locally and internationally.

“By 2025, we aim to make Nigeria a prime destination for outsourcing and technology-driven services,” said Dr. Tijani. “Our scaling efforts, alongside global partnerships, will ensure Nigerians are equipped for the evolving digital landscape.”