Eze: AI Will Block Leakages in Public Funds

A Nigerian-American AI analyst and strategist whose work spans technology, governance, and economic development, Mac Eze, in this interview with Raheem Akingbolu, outlines a technology-driven pathway to transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s public procurement system.

Can you briefly tell us who you are, and how your experience working in the office of Mark Dayton shaped your understanding of governance and public systems?

I’m Mac Eze Nwachukwu, a Nigerian-American AI analyst, strategist, and advocate focused on the intersection of technology, governance, and economic development. My work centres on using AI and digital innovation to promote interracial harmony in the United States and improve transparency and accountability in Nigeria.

My experience working in the Office of Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton gave me valuable exposure to how public institutions operate from the inside. It helped me better understand the importance of clear communication, administrative coordination, and responsible leadership in government. That experience shaped my view that strong public systems depend not only on policy, but also on transparency, efficiency, and the effective use of modern technology to better serve citizens.

You work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and governance. What inspired you to move into this space?

What inspired me to move into this space was a combination of personal experience, public service exposure, and a strong belief that technology can solve real societal problems.

Having seen the effects of weak governance and corruption on everyday life in Nigeria, I became deeply interested in how systems can be improved to serve people more fairly and effectively. Later, my experience in the Office of Governor Mark Dayton gave me a closer view of how government communication, administration, and public systems function when institutions operate with structure and accountability.

That contrast strengthened my conviction that better governance is possible when leadership is supported by transparent and efficient systems. Artificial intelligence became especially important to me because I see it not just as a technical tool, but as a force multiplier—one that can reduce inefficiency, improve decision-making, increase transparency, and create systems that are more responsive to people’s needs.

In 2023, you wrote to Joe Biden advocating for technology-driven transparency in Nigeria. What informed that decision, and what were you hoping to achieve?

What informed that decision was my conviction that corruption and weak transparency systems continue to limit Nigeria’s progress—and that artificial intelligence can be part of a practical solution.

I believed that digital tools could strengthen accountability, improve procurement oversight, and support better governance in ways that directly affect people’s lives. I wrote to President Joe Biden to elevate the conversation beyond theory and to show that technology-driven transparency should be taken seriously as both a development and governance priority.

I was hoping to encourage support for innovative initiatives that could help modernise public systems in Nigeria, reduce opportunities for corruption, and build stronger institutional trust through the responsible use of AI.

What led to the creation of your AI Procurement & Automation Advantage initiative?

The initiative was driven by a desire to address one of the most critical drivers of weak governance in Nigeria: the lack of transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public spending and procurement systems.

Procurement is one of the areas where corruption, delays, and mismanagement have the greatest impact on citizens’ daily lives—from infrastructure and healthcare to education and public services. This led me to focus on building a solution that uses artificial intelligence and automation to make procurement more transparent, traceable, and data-driven.

At its core, the initiative is not just a technology project; it is a governance reform tool designed to strengthen trust, improve efficiency, and support long-term economic development.

From your perspective, what are the key structural problems in Nigeria’s procurement system that this platform is trying to fix?

The key structural problems include limited transparency, weak oversight, fragmented processes, delayed execution, and excessive human discretion without adequate accountability.

Procurement information is often not easily accessible or traceable from start to finish. When the public can not clearly see how contracts are awarded, funds allocated, and projects delivered, it creates room for corruption and mistrust.

There is also heavy reliance on manual or outdated processes, which are slow, inconsistent, and vulnerable to manipulation. Additionally, data fragmentation across agencies weakens the ability to make timely, evidence-based decisions.

This platform addresses these challenges by introducing greater visibility, automation, and data intelligence into the procurement process—making public spending more transparent, accountable, and responsive.

How does the platform, in practical terms, improve transparency and accountability in government spending?

The platform improves transparency by turning procurement into a visible, trackable, and data-driven process.

It creates end-to-end digital records of procurement activities—from contract postings and bid submissions to approvals and project execution. This makes it easier to track decisions and ensure procedures are followed.

Automation standardises workflows, reducing the risk of undocumented approvals or informal interference. Real-time analytics also enable better oversight, allowing stakeholders to track spending patterns, detect irregularities, and intervene early.

Importantly, it enhances public access to procurement data, empowering citizens, journalists, and watchdog organisations to hold institutions accountable.

What kind of impact can this system have on cost efficiency and reducing leakages in public finance?

The system can significantly improve cost efficiency and reduce financial leakages by introducing structure, visibility, and control.

It enables better price comparisons, tracks procurement trends, and helps identify overpricing. By digitising workflows and creating auditable records, it becomes harder to manipulate transactions or bypass accountability.

AI-driven monitoring can also flag suspicious patterns, delayed projects, or inconsistencies in spending data. Over time, this can lead to major savings, stronger fiscal discipline, and a more credible public finance system.

What opportunities does this initiative open up for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs)?

This initiative creates opportunities for SMEs by making procurement more transparent, accessible, and competitive.

A digital platform improves visibility into contract opportunities, helping level the playing field. It also reduces administrative bottlenecks, making it easier for smaller businesses to participate.

With more objective evaluation processes, SMEs can compete based on merit rather than connections. This promotes economic inclusion, job creation, and a stronger private sector.

What major challenges do you foresee in implementing this system across Nigeria’s public sector?

Key challenges include institutional resistance, infrastructure gaps, policy alignment, data quality issues, and public trust. Adopting digital systems requires strong political will, investment in infrastructure, and capacity building. Without these, even the best solutions may be underutilised. Successful implementation will depend not just on technology, but on leadership commitment, regulatory support, and stakeholder engagement.

Looking ahead, what policy decisions or leadership actions are most critical to making AI-driven governance reforms a reality in Nigeria?

Critical actions include establishing clear digital transformation policies, prioritising transparency, investing in infrastructure and capacity, and creating ethical AI frameworks.

Leadership must make accountability non-negotiable and ensure that data is actively used for decision-making. At the same time, safeguards must be in place to ensure responsible AI use.
Ultimately, real reform will require political will—leaders willing to prioritise long-term institutional change over short-term gains. AI-driven governance will succeed when innovation is matched by integrity, consistency, and a genuine commitment to public service.