The Federal Government of Nigeria has recently announced a groundbreaking initiative as part of its digital transformation strategy, signaling its ambition to position Nigeria as a global leader in technology. The program, which aims to empower 1,000 citizens annually with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and other advanced technologies, reflects a strategic push to elevate Nigeria’s technological capabilities and competitiveness on the global stage.
In a strategic collaboration with Gluwa, a private tech company, the government seeks to implement this transformative initiative, aligning it with President Tinubu’s agenda to revolutionize Nigeria’s digital technology space. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to this vision, Vice-President Kashim Shettima underscored that Nigeria’s goal is not merely to catch up with the rest of the world in technology but to surpass global leaders, setting the stage for a new era of innovation and technological prowess for the nation.
However, while the initiative to train 1,000 individuals annually in advanced tech skills represents a significant stride for Nigeria, experts caution that it may not be sufficient on its own to overtake established global tech leaders such as the United States and China. These global tech giants heavily invest in research and development and possess vast tech workforces. Nevertheless, the initiative offers its beneficiaries the opportunity to integrate into the global workforce and contribute to driving innovation that will shape Nigeria’s future.
Vice-President Shettima also articulated the broader vision of the federal government, outlining plans to establish a network of tech hubs across the nation that will power Nigeria’s economic growth for decades to come. He expressed the government’s aspiration to transform Nigeria into a premier destination for technology outsourcing, leveraging a model that combines global expertise with local talent to drive sustainable innovation and economic development.
This latest initiative is part of a comprehensive effort by the Tinubu-led government to bolster Nigeria’s capacity in emerging technologies. Building on previous initiatives, in 2023, the Federal Government unveiled a plan to equip three million Nigerians with tech skills by 2027 through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE). As the government began training for the 270,000 fellows selected for the second phase of the program in May 2024, expectations are high among Nigerians regarding the transformative impact of these initiatives on the nation’s tech landscape.
Furthermore, in July 2024, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced plans to establish research centers for emerging technologies, including AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain, across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, exemplifying a strategic effort to foster innovation and expertise in cutting-edge technologies nationwide.
In a bold move that underlines Nigeria’s commitment to driving technological advancement not only domestically but also across the African continent, the Vice President unveiled the Federal Government’s strategy to spearhead Africa’s digital trade revolution under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) framework, signaling Nigeria’s intent to be a front-runner in shaping the future of digital trade in Africa.
These initiatives collectively underscore the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing advanced technological capabilities within the country, setting the stage for a dynamic and innovative future in the global tech landscape.
The government’s sustained efforts to drive technological innovation and expertise across various technological domains reflect a clear commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s potential as a formidable force in the global technology ecosystem. As the nation steadily advances its digital transformation journey, these initiatives hold the promise of positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global tech revolution.
