Tijani emphasized that digital technology is prevalent in Asia, America, and Europe, asserting that Nigeria and Africa should embrace this reality.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government pledges to ensure that Nigeria actively participates in the development and regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on a global scale.
This commitment underscores the recognition of the importance of AI and the need for Nigeria to have a voice in shaping its future.
The government highlighted the necessity for Nigeria to actively engage in discussions surrounding the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially with the impending global convergence on AI practices by major world powers.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a workshop on National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in Abuja, the Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized the importance of Nigeria's participation in shaping the future of AI.
The four-day workshop, themed "Developing the High-Level Strategy and Implementation Plan for a National AI Strategy for Nigeria," aims to lay the groundwork for Nigeria's AI strategy and implementation plan.
Tijani stressed the ubiquity of digital technology in regions like Asia, America, and Europe, emphasizing that Nigeria and Africa cannot afford to lag behind.
He noted that countries like the US, UK, and those in Asia have significant influence on the development and regulation of AI.
Tijani highlighted the current fragmentation in AI development and application but emphasized the impending convergence of AI systems globally.
He underscored the importance of Nigeria's active participation in shaping AI's future, stating that AI will profoundly impact all aspects of human endeavors.
The workshop aims to craft a strategic roadmap to enhance Nigeria's knowledge, skills, participation, development, and deployment in AI, with a focus not only on national benefits but also on contributions to humanity as a whole.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, delivered these remarks on Monday during the opening ceremony of a four-day workshop on National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in Abuja.
The workshop's theme is "Developing the High-Level Strategy and Implementation Plan for a National AI Strategy for Nigeria."
Tijani highlighted the reality of digital technology's prevalence in regions like Asia, America, and Europe, emphasizing that Nigeria and Africa cannot afford to be left behind.
He noted that countries such as the US, UK, and those in Asia have significant influence on the development and regulation of AI.
Tijani stressed the need for Nigeria to be part of the global superpower shaping AI's development and regulations, especially as AI is poised to revolutionize various aspects of human endeavors.
He commended the sponsors of the program and other development partners, emphasizing that Nigeria should demonstrate leadership within Africa regarding the deployment of AI.
Tijani emphasized the importance of the workshop in crafting far-reaching resolutions and strategies for AI adoption and deployment in Nigeria.
He underscored the significance of creating an inclusive strategy that reflects the nation's diversity and consensus.
Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), earlier emphasized the importance of diversifying the nation's economy, highlighting the vital role that the workshop's approach plays in achieving this goal.
Tijani emphasized that AI is not merely a technology but a transformational tool that can be applied across sectors to bolster the economy.
He highlighted the potential of AI to drive economic diversification in Nigeria and Africa, suggesting that the nation's diversification strategy should be designed with AI in mind.
Tijani stressed the importance of an inclusive approach that leverages Nigeria's diversity and expertise to create a strategy reflective of national consensus.
Additionally, he urged participants to develop a strategy for national security, recognizing the critical role AI can play in enhancing security measures.
This underscores the multifaceted applications of AI beyond economic diversification, including its significance in addressing security challenges.
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