At CSEA Dialogue, FG Says Policy on Artificial Intelligence Underway

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government said yesterday that a national policy on Artificial Intelligence (AI) was in the offing, to ensure that Nigeria does not ‘play catch-up’ in the future and making sure that the resources and talents in the country are fully harnessed.

Speaking in Abuja at an event tagged: “Reshaping Nigeria’s Potential in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI),” organised by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kingsley Udeh (SAN), stressed that Nigeria must take the lead in the AI race in Africa.

He noted that the role of AI in the advancement of the modern economy cannot be overstated, pointing out that as the most populous black nation on earth, the ministry will continue to lead and give direction in terms of policy development and implementation.

“We acknowledge the importance of AI in scientific and technological advancement and for services across the Nigerian economy. And of course, companies in Nigeria, governments are already deploying AI. That we know, at various levels, private levels and institutional levels.

“So, what we’re already doing is to fashion an AI policy that will ensure that we do not play catch-up. Those that are keen on developing AI products, developing, working on research on AI to advance our capabilities in AI are supported.

“So, it’s not just policy but also strategy. One of the things lacking in the Nigeria STI ecosystem is coordination, it is leadership. And that is what we also provide in ensuring that AI, even robotics and other dimensions of science and technology, advanced technology, future technologies and that we do not do (play) catch-up.

“ Nigerians, both in Nigeria and outside, are all involved in this. I know very young people and I see them playing with AI, solving their own problems with AI. So, we do not lack the knowledge, we do not lack that. It’s just to deploy these things properly and boost the deployment and the capability with our support,” Udeh stated.

Describing the science, technology and innovation space as an ecosystem, the minister explained that the federal government was committed to ensuring that the sector meets the demands of the 21st century, with everyone playing their roles.

Besides, Udeh noted that his ministry was working with the new Minister of Defence on how to deploy Nigeria’s satellite capabilities to curb insecurity in the country and provide intelligence-required data.

“So once we do that, they will take it from there. Like I said, it’s the division of labour. We have our own part, and the other stakeholders in the security architecture have their own part,” the new minister stressed.

Earlier, the Executive Director of CSEA, Dr Chukwuka Onyekwena, said the event was meant to provide participants with a unique opportunity to reflect on the role everyone plays in shaping Nigeria’s technological future.

“ In recent years, we have seen how advances in science and technology have transformed nations, opened up economic frontiers, and defined the way societies operate. From artificial intelligence to biotechnology, renewable energy, digital finance, and precision agriculture, innovation is influencing decisions in every sector.

“Increasingly, countries are recognising this shift early and now act with intention, providing themselves for greater competitiveness, resilience, and leadership. Nigeria is not lacking in potential.

“Our youthful population, growing tech ecosystem, strong entrepreneurial spirit, and emerging hub of scientific and digital activity give us a solid foundation. However, the path from potential to productivity requires strategic investments, clear policy direction, and consistent collaboration across government, academia, industry, and the whole society.

“It requires that we address longstanding barriers, ranging from gaps in research funding and weak innovation infrastructure, to limited commercialisation pathways and fragmentation across institutions. This is why today’s conversation becomes essential.

“The discussions will allow for honest and constructive engagement, and enable us to understand ongoing reforms, share experiences from our different sectors, and identify practical steps that can move the science, technology, and innovation agenda forward,” he stated.

According to him, Nigeria’s trajectory will depend on how rapidly it can translate ideas into action, including equipping institutions with the right capabilities, ensuring the education system prepares young people for emerging industries, and creating an environment where innovators and researchers can succeed without unnecessary obstacles.

In a keynote address, President of the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, and former Director General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Prof. Peter Onwualu, stated that Nigeria does not suffer from lack of talent in tech.

With a vibrant ecosystem of over 200 million people, home to the brightest minds and the largest black population globally and with tech startups attracting international investment, Onwualu maintained that Nigeria’s engineers are working all over the world.

“We must speak to ourselves honestly. We must speak to the paradox that characterises the Nigerian economy. Despite these strengths, we face systemic and critical gaps. The challenges are well known to everybody here.

“They include inadequate infrastructure, in water supply, housing, electricity, transportation, healthcare, food and agriculture, environment, manufacturing, and very recently, security and a widening gap between academia and industry. And then more importantly, the brain drain that sees our best minds solving problems for other nations”, he lamented.