Nigeria Leads West Africa in Digital Transformation, Says Minister

Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has announced that the country has become the digital powerhouse of West Africa. He emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity in the country's foreign policy. The minister made this statement at the Second Seminar on Anticipatory, Cyber and Digital Diplomacy, which was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. The seminar focused on the theme 'From Awareness to Activation: Operationalising AI, Cyber and Digital Statecraft for Nigeria's Foreign Policy.' Tijani noted that diplomacy is no longer solely determined by a country's size, economy, or military strength, but by its digital capabilities. He stated that Nigeria is uniquely positioned to lead digital transformation in the region, with its own communications satellites and the highest number of subsea internet cables in West Africa. The minister also highlighted Nigeria's growing leadership in artificial intelligence, citing the country's recent recognition as Africa's top-ranked nation for responsible AI. He attributed this achievement to deliberate policies that promote AI innovation while safeguarding national interests. Furthermore, Tijani announced that the Federal Executive Council has approved the establishment of a National AI Trust to oversee investments and governance in artificial intelligence. The government has also trained nearly 300,000 young Nigerians in digital skills through its Three Million Technical Talent programme. Earlier, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, emphasized the need for Nigeria to develop practical recommendations to strengthen its diplomatic capacity and remain at the forefront of digital innovation and influence in Africa and globally.