The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain technologies as strategic levers for national development, transparency and inclusive growth, during the maiden Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Conference in Abuja.
The conference was organised by Havel Corporate Concept Limited and brought together policymakers, regulators, innovators, academics and industry leaders to chart a practical roadmap for Nigeria’s digital future.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Mr. Dasuki I. Arabi, declared that Nigeria’s public sector has moved beyond preparation and is now actively shaping the digital future.
According to him, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are already deploying AI and blockchain solutions to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, enhance service delivery and deepen citizen engagement.
“Nigeria is no longer waiting for the future; we are deliberately building it. Technology must drive inclusive growth, strengthen institutions and ultimately improve the quality of life for every Nigerian,” Mr. Arabi said.
He highlighted key national initiatives anchoring the country’s digital transformation agenda, including the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020–2030, National Blockchain Policy (2023), Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme, Draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme.
Dr. Arabi also noted that institutions such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have integrated AI and blockchain technologies into their operations, improving procurement transparency, national security architecture, digital identity management and revenue administration.
In his opening address, the Chief Executive Officer of Havel Corporate Concept Limited, Dr. Ahmed Badanga, described the conference as a turning point in Nigeria’s technological evolution, designed to shift conversations from theory to implementation.
He explained that the forum was conceived to critically assess Nigeria’s readiness for AI and blockchain adoption, identify systemic challenges and outline sustainable pathways for innovation-driven growth.
Discussions at the conference focused on policy and regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, funding and commercialisation, skills gaps and brain drain, as well as the ethical implications of emerging technologies. Dr. Badanga also drew attention to AI-related bills currently before the National Assembly, stressing the need for informed public discourse and responsible AI governance.
In a move to position young Nigerians at the heart of the digital revolution, Havel Corporate Concept announced the launch of an Artificial Intelligence Club in Nigerian schools. The initiative has received approval from the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) and the FCT Secondary Education Board (FCT-SEB).
The pilot phase will commence in selected FCT schools, beginning with 30 students from Junior Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, and Government Day Secondary School, Wuse 2, Abuja. The programme is designed to promote digital literacy, critical thinking, ethical awareness and responsible use of AI technologies.
Organisers emphasised that the initiative aims to prepare young Nigerians to harness AI as a tool for human capacity enhancement rather than displacement.
The conference ended with the unveiling of the 1st AI National Award, instituted to recognise outstanding individuals, institutions, policymakers and innovators whose contributions are advancing Nigeria’s artificial intelligence ecosystem.
