Nigeria is emerging as one of the world’s leading countries in artificial intelligence adoption, according to a new report by Google developed in partnership with Ipsos.
The report, titled Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the Hands of More People, found that 88% of Nigerian adults have used an AI chatbot, an 18 percentage point increase from 2024 and well above the global average of 62%.
AI usage in Nigeria is particularly strong in education, work, and entrepreneurship. About 93% of Nigerian users said they rely on AI tools to understand complex topics, compared with a global average of 74%, while 91% reported using AI to assist with their work. The report also showed that 80% of Nigerians use AI to explore business ideas or consider career changes, nearly double the global average.
Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, said the findings reflect how Nigerians are applying AI creatively to education, professional development, and economic empowerment.
Optimism about AI remains high, with 91% of Nigerians believing the technology has a positive impact on learning and access to information, compared with 65% globally. Overall, 80% of respondents expressed excitement about AI, rising to 90% among frequent users.
Despite the high adoption rate, the report noted that Nigeria still lacks the infrastructure needed to become an AI powerhouse, citing funding gaps in the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the absence of AI-ready data centres.
