FG targets AI, digital literacy with ₦12bn research investment
The federal government has announced plans to invest ₦12 billion in digital economy research projects aimed at helping Nigeria harness the benefits of digital transformation.
Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, disclosed this at the opening of the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2024) held in Abuja.
Tijani noted that Nigeria’s participation in global platforms such as ICEGOV reflects the country’s commitment to exploring emerging technologies while formulating policies that align innovation with social impact.
According to him, the government is already supporting over 55 research projects and will now commit an additional ₦12 billion to new initiatives focused on the digital economy.
He explained, “We are setting up three research clusters across six universities — one focused on artificial intelligence (AI), another on connectivity, and the third on digital skills and literacy.”
Tijani added that digital technologies are now central to modern life and should be viewed not only as economic drivers but also as tools for effective governance.
Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), revealed that plans are underway to integrate digital literacy and skills training into Nigeria’s school curricula by 2026.
Inuwa said, “We have secured approval, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and under the directive of the President, to ensure that by next year, digital literacy becomes part of formal education.”
He added that the government is also working to enhance digital skills among public servants to improve service delivery.
Inuwa further noted that with Africa’s young and digitally active population, governments must engage citizens where they are — online — by equipping them with the skills required to thrive in a technology-driven economy.
Read also: Tech firms can boost digital economy with local production — Bosun Tijani
Elsa Estevez, chair of the ICEGOV Steering Committee, commended Nigeria’s leadership in digital governance discussions and emphasised that the rapid growth of AI calls for cooperation among governments, organisations, and communities.
She advocated for human-centered innovation, urging policymakers to ensure that digital transformation promotes social well-being, combats misinformation, and protects the integrity of public digital spaces through regulation, education, and awareness.
The four-day conference, themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance Through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion,” was organised by NITDA.
