Latest data from Google has showed the interests of Nigerians to adapt to the new economic realities triggered by the reforms of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Mr Tinubu has carried out some bold economic reforms that have forced citizens to change their lifestyles.
The government removed subsidies on premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise known petrol, and has liberalised the exchange rate regime. Next year, the new tax laws are expected to take effect.
These reforms have affected many Nigerians, and according to the new Google Search trends, Nigerians are increasingly leveraging the internet to acquire new skills and start entrepreneurial ventures, with a strong focus on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to advance their careers.
“The search trends reflect the ambition and adaptability of Nigerians. The data shows a clear pattern of people using technology, and in particular AI, to build their skills, create new opportunities, and navigate a changing professional landscape.
“We are committed to providing the tools that empower this growth and innovation,” the West Africa Director at Google, Mr Olumide Balogun, said.
It was observed that in the past 12 months, search interest for how to make money with AI increased by over 40 per cent.
The entrepreneurial spirit is also evident, with searches for how to start a business from home almost doubling (+90 per cent) and how to start a business with no money increasing by more than 80 per cent year-over-year.
Shifting Focus to New Business Ventures
Nigerians are actively exploring a diverse range of business ideas through Google Search. The top searched how to start a business queries in the past 12 months include how to start a real estate business, how to start cocoa export business in Nigeria, how to start a ghostwriting business, how to start a clothing business, and how to start an importation business. These searches imply a strong entrepreneurial drive and a desire for financial independence among Nigerians, as they actively seek new avenues for income generation and skill development.
The data also reveals a strong interest in digital and creative careers, with top searches for how to start related to jobs and skills including how to start freelancing with no experience, how to start a fashion brand, and how to start creating content.
AI and Trending Skills Take Centre Stage
The desire to upskill is a major theme, particularly with the rise of AI. how to learn AI jumped by 160 per cent over the past 12 months, placing it among the top trending how to learn searches in Nigeria.
The data revealed that more experienced dramatic increases, with how to learn forex trade up by 300 per cent, how to learn make up rose by 270 per cent, how to learn photoshop went up by 180 per cent, and how to learn computer step by step grew by 160 per cent.
Top searched “how to start a business”, (past 12 months, Nigeria)
Top searched “how to start”, past 12 months (related to jobs and skills)
Top trending “how to learn”, (past 12 months vs prior 12 months)