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Microsoft’s New Research Paper Provides a Roadmap for AI Advancement in Nigeria
While developing economies like Nigeria face significant challenges in fully leveraging the advantages of AI, implementing the technology across key sectors could help address some of these issues and significantly reduce inequality.
Biztellers reports that this is one of the key findings from Microsoft’s new white paper, AI in Nigeria, which was commissioned by Microsoft and conducted by PwC and Lagos Business School. The findings were unveiled during Microsoft AI Skills Week in Lagos, on Tuesday.
The five-day event was designed to equip customers, business leaders, developers and end users with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to drive AI adoption. It combined self-paced learning, live sessions, and interactive workshops to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
During the event, experts brought critical insights from the white paper to life, unpacking a more data-driven approach to accelerating AI transformation.
“Although AI is still an emerging field with early-stage applications in Nigeria, global advancements and the growing recognition of AI’s transformative power have catalysed a shift in mindset across the country. Entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers are now exploring AI to address local needs and drive growth,” says Ola Williams, Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana.
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Government and educational institutions have started fostering innovation and creating an environment for AI research and development. Programmes like the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) support AI projects. Recently, the Nigerian government also published its National AI Strategy, aiming to leverage AI for economic growth, social development, and technological leadership.
From finance to e-commerce, agriculture, and healthcare, AI offers numerous opportunities for progress. This is evidenced by greater adoption of the technology across sectors, as well as increased AI startup funding. Nigerian banks use chatbots for services like account inquiries and customer complaints. In e-commerce, platforms such as Bumpa use AI as business coaches, and in agriculture, services like Kitovu employ AI for agronomic advice and personalised crop analysis. This integration of AI is driving efficiency and bolstering Nigeria’s digital economy.
“We stand at a pivotal moment where AI is revolutionising industries and transforming economies. Countries are increasingly adopting AI technologies across critical sectors like healthcare, finance, and education. While AI’s benefits are immense, balancing risks and rewards is crucial. By building trust and robust governance frameworks, Nigeria can overcome challenges and harness AI’s potential, unlocking significant growth and driving transformation across businesses and society,” comments Olufemi Osinubi, Partner and WMA Consulting Risk Services Leader, PwC Nigeria.
Drawing on AI to Overcome Key Obstacles
The progress of AI in Nigeria faces several challenges. While AI has the potential to transform many aspects of daily life, the country must overcome obstacles related to skills, funding, regulation, data preparedness, and public perception to fully enhance its AI capabilities.
Lack of infrastructure and skilled workers are significant barriers to AI advancement. In Nigeria, there is a shortage of people with AI skills, and many of these professionals are leaving the country, causing a gap in expertise and delaying AI adoption. The complexity of learning AI concepts can also discourage beginners. Over and above this, organisations are often hindered by a lack of understanding among business leaders of AI, and its related risks and ethical frameworks. However, initiatives like the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy’s 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent) programme and Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator are gradually training the next generation of AI talent to fill this gap in skills and understanding.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
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One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
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With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
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