Nigeria emerging leader in AI adoption, report says

Nigeria is rapidly emerging as one of the most AI-engaged nations among digitally active populations, with adoption driven increasingly by practical utility rather than novelty, according to a new report.

The report, ‘AI Adoption in Nigeria’, provides an evidence-based analysis of how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, work, business growth, and social inclusion across the country.

A key finding of the report reveals that 88 per cent of Nigerian respondents in a major international survey confirmed using at least one AI tool in the previous 12 months.

Furthermore, 84 per cent of respondents reported utilising generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude.

The data suggests that AI has moved beyond experimentation into everyday functional use.

Specifically, 93 per cent of users employed AI to understand complex topics, 91 per cent for work-related support, and 80 per cent for career exploration.

Williams Popoola, the chief strategy officer at Wow Effect Communications, noted that while the momentum is strong, it should not be mistaken for universal access.

He warned that while AI adoption is robust among those already online, national access remains constrained by connectivity, affordability, device ownership, and geography.

With an estimated 107 million internet users as of early 2025, the report cautions that the “digital divide” between urban and rural communities remains a significant barrier.

The report also highlights the economic implications of the technology. Data shows that 74.1 per cent of digitally enabled firms in major hubs like Lagos, Rivers, and Abuja have integrated AI into their operations.

This suggests a transition from individual use to corporate operational integration.

According to the findings, AI now touches critical sectors of national life, including education, where self-learners use tools for skill development, and small businesses, where entrepreneurs apply AI for research, planning, and customer engagement.

The report takes a balanced view of the technological shift, suggesting that future success depends on infrastructure, digital literacy, and the quality of private- and public-sector responses.

It specifically commended the federal government’s proactive stance through the adoption of the National AI Strategy, describing it as a vital framework for a responsible AI ecosystem.

The study was developed through a structured review of international survey findings, official statistics, and regulatory materials. NAN