FG seeks partnership with Google on AI innovations

The President, Bola Tinubu, is exploring a strategic partnership with Google to drive Artificial Intelligence innovation and cloud adoption, positioning Nigeria as a leading digital economy in Africa.

Tinubu disclosed this on Wednesday via his verified X handle, revealing details of his recent meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Google and Alphabet, Sundar Pichai, in France.

He described the engagement as a step toward advancing Nigeria’s role in AI and digital transformation.

“Nigeria is poised to take the lead in AI and technology—this is merely the start of an exciting journey!” Tinubu stated.

He said the proposed collaboration with Google will focus on five key areas: enhancing scalable cloud infrastructure, equipping the Nigerian workforce with future-ready digital skills, promoting AI innovation and research, driving cloud adoption, and positioning Nigeria as a hub for global AI advancements.

He highlighted that Nigeria already has promising AI prospects, citing Awarri Technologies as an example. The Federal Government, he noted, is collaborating with the company to build AI software infrastructure tailored to Nigeria’s needs.

The partnership discussions, Tinubu said, align with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes economic diversification through industrialization, digitization, and innovation.

“This initiative will empower businesses, create new opportunities, and establish Nigeria as a significant player in the global digital economy,” he said.

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy will oversee the collaboration, while the National Information Technology Development Agency will lead the implementation.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, stated, “Extremely productive conversations with President Tinubu and Pichai today, which underscores our commitment as a government and Google’s ongoing support towards developing Artificial Intelligence skills and innovation in critical sectors in Nigeria.”

Chief Executive Officer of Google and Alphabet, Sundar Pichai, stated, “It was a great meeting with President Tinubu. We talked about the immense potential of AI in Nigeria and how we can partner to expand AI skills, enable innovation, and support Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.”