Microsoft has called on Nigeria to focus on implementing artificial intelligence initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes rather than concentrating primarily on policy development.
The call was made during the AI Summit Nigeria held in Abuja, which was organised by Microsoft in collaboration with NITDA and MTN Nigeria under the theme “From Policy to Progress: Accelerating Responsible AI Adoption for Nigeria’s Digital Decade.”
Speaking at the event, Microsoft’s Director of Government Affairs for West Africa, Nonye Ujam, said Nigeria has already demonstrated leadership through initiatives such as its National AI Strategy, data governance frameworks and regulatory reforms.
She said the next phase should focus on translating these frameworks into practical results through effective governance structures, infrastructure development and institutional capacity building.
According to Ujam, trusted AI systems must be built around principles of safety, fairness, privacy, transparency and accountability to encourage public confidence and widespread adoption.
She added that AI presents significant opportunities to improve public services, expand access to knowledge and increase productivity across sectors of the economy.
Also speaking at the summit, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Acting Director of Regulation and Compliance Emmanuel Edet, stressed the importance of responsible AI development.
Inuwa said Nigeria must move beyond being a consumer of foreign AI technologies and develop local talent, research ecosystems and homegrown solutions capable of addressing African challenges.
“The future of AI should not simply happen in Africa; Africa must shape it,” he said.
The summit brought together stakeholders from government and the private sector, including representatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Identity Management Commission and Galaxy Backbone, to discuss strategies for scaling responsible AI adoption across Nigeria.
