The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust, in what marks a world’s first and a significant milestone in the nation’s ambition to become a global leader in AI development, according to Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
The approval for Nigeria’s National AI Trust granted during Tuesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to the Minister, who says that the the programme will mobilise resources and provide oversight for the growth of AI technologies in Nigeria.
The National AI Trust will consist of 10 AI experts that will include the Minister and Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology.
Dr. Tijani says AI is important for driving job creation and attracting foreign direct investment. “The establishment of this Trust is a testament to our commitment to position Nigeria as a leading voice in Artificial Intelligence.”
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
Minister: National AI Trust to guide development of AI in Nigeria
Its primary mandate is to guide the development of AI in Nigeria and ensure that investments in this transformative technology are future-proofed across key sectors of the economy.
Dr. Tijani says AI is important for driving job creation and attracting foreign direct investment. “The establishment of this Trust is a testament to our commitment to position Nigeria as a leading voice in Artificial Intelligence.”
The Trust will work to gather financial and technical resources necessary for advancing AI initiatives across various sectors. It will provide strategic direction for AI development, ensuring ethical practices and alignment with national interests.
Dr. Tijani says that improved connectivity infrastructure is essential for supporting AI applications. The government has already initiated Project Bridge, which aims to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables nationwide. This infrastructure project is expected to enhance internet access and facilitate the deployment of AI technologies across various sectors.
The creation of the National AI Trust builds on earlier efforts by the Nigerian government to foster an inclusive and ethical AI ecosystem. In August 2024, Nigeria unveiled its first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), which outlines a comprehensive framework for leveraging AI for national development.
The strategy emphasizes ethical considerations, data protection, and collaboration between public and private sectors. Additionally, initiatives such as the $1.5 million funding commitment from Luminate aims to support organisations working on governance and innovation in the AI sector. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Nigeria remains competitive in an increasingly digital world, according to government.
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