The decision was reached during a meeting of the Council chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja on Monday, according to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications.

Under the framework, the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation will serve as the Council’s secretariat and coordinate implementation, technical execution and collaboration among participating agencies.

Shettima said the initiative aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is designed to create an addressing system capable of supporting economic activity, public service delivery, security and national planning.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, our duty is to build institutions that match the energy and mobility of our people. We must build a system that can locate every community, support enterprise without barriers and strengthen government without compromising privacy,” he said.

“Wherever a citizen lives, wherever a business operates, wherever help is required, Nigeria should find the address.”

The Vice President described an effective addressing system as an important link between citizens, businesses and government institutions, noting that difficulties in accurately locating people and businesses affect planning, commerce, security and social intervention programmes.

He said the proposed digital framework must also integrate with identity management systems, government databases and other digital public infrastructure.

“When a verified identity can be linked securely to a verified address, the gains extend across financial inclusion, social interventions, logistics, planning and emergency response,” Shettima said.

Under the proposed arrangement, the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation will coordinate technical execution, interoperability standards and systems integration.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will oversee identity verification and authentication, while the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) will support business address verification.

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) will be responsible for postcode administration and postal infrastructure.

State governments and local government councils, working through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), will support implementation at the community level.

Other agencies expected to participate include the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and private-sector operators.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the initiative could also improve investor confidence by strengthening address verification and location-based services across Nigeria.

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Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani unveiled the initiative on Thursday during the opening session of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26) in Abuja.

Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the event as Special Guest of Honour.

Speaking at the conference, Tijani said the ATLAS Network builds on Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Language and Translation Alliance (N-ATLAS) and will bring together governments, researchers, academic institutions, innovators and ecosystem partners to develop AI systems that better reflect Africa’s languages, cultures and knowledge systems.

According to the minister, fewer than two per cent of Africa’s languages are meaningfully supported by modern AI systems despite the continent accounting for nearly one-third of the world’s languages.

He said the new initiative expands Nigeria’s existing programme into a continental framework and invited African countries to participate in the collaborative platform.

Tijani also urged member states to strengthen regional cooperation and present a united position on global digital policy.

“Africa must arrive prepared, united and credible. We must continue to invest in technical preparation, strengthen regional cooperation and speak with one voice where our interests align,” he said.

“Where global digital rules are being shaped, Africa must be ready to participate and help shape outcomes that affect our people, our economies and our future.”

Representing Vice President Shettima, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said Africa must play a more active role in shaping global technology policies.

He noted that Nigeria remains committed to strengthening its contributions within the African Telecommunications Union and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), adding that the country would continue working to ensure African priorities are reflected in global digital governance.

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The acquisition, structured as an all-cash deal, would give MTN full ownership of IHS, one of Africa’s largest independent tower operators, and lead to the delisting of the company as a public entity. MTN already holds a significant minority stake in IHS, which operates tens of thousands of sites across Africa, including Nigeria.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani said the deal will not be treated as a routine corporate transaction. “Given the strategic importance of telecommunications infrastructure to national security, economic growth, financial services, innovation, and social inclusion, the Ministry will undertake a thorough assessment in collaboration with relevant regulators,” he said.

Tijani highlighted that Nigeria’s telecoms sector has shown signs of recovery, with improved profitability and increased investment in infrastructure. “Our objective is to ensure that any market consolidation protects consumers, safeguards investments, and preserves long-term sector sustainability,” he added.

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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.

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The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, stated this yesterday, at the opening of Lagos Edition of GITEX Nigeria 2025 conference and exhibition.

Tijani, in his keynote address, rallied global investors to Nigeria, saying the country is ripe for investments, especially within the startup ecosystem.

According to him, Nigeria is the largest telecom market in Africa and currently contributes between 16 per cent and 18 per cent to GDP, “but we are targeting 21 per cent contribution from the ICT sector by 2027”.

Tijani, who called on global investors to see Nigeria as a new investment destination, stressed the importance of the Lagos ecosystem, saying the state is seen as one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.

According to him, about 2000 people are added daily to the Lagos population.

Tijani said that despite the challenges, five to six of Africa’s unicorns are actually from Nigeria. He added that the state is home to the largest technology hubs in the region.

Outside the tech ecosystem, he said the state has enabled Africa’s creative heartbeat, the Nollyhood, where about $15 billion is projected to be created by the creative economy in the coming years.

He disclosed that starting from October 1, the Federal Government will fund 75 new research projects in digital innovation under a N75 million scheme.

Tijani said the N75 million initiative is targeted at researchers, startups, corporates and the Nigerian diaspora, with the aim of deepening participation in digital innovation and building a resilient ecosystem capable of competing globally.

In his address, Lagos State Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu, said the Lagos technology ecosystem is fast becoming phenomenal, saying that in the last five years over $6 billion startups funds have entered the state.

Sanwo-Olu, who described it as an honor and mindsetting goals for the state to host the event, said people across the globe defied the challenges of the environment to be in Nigeria, specifically Abuja and Lagos.

“A state of between 20 million and 22 million strong people with all tribes represented. The diversity of the state fuels startup ecosystem growth with over $6 billion startups funds entered the state in the last five years. We can also boast of hyperscale data centres, increased fibre infrastructure and landing of submarine cable systems.

“Today, 70 per cent of tech economy gains coming to Nigeria are sitting in Lagos. We believe that governance in the 24th century must be digital,” he stated.

According to him, the state is ready to further support the ecosystem by ensuring an investment-friendly environment, stabilized by policies.

Speaking, the Director-General, National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullah, Nigeria, is the crucible of development.

According to him, Nigeria has started a journey that will ensure that it builds solutions that will help startups scale up by as much as 10 times.

“As a nation, the vision is clear; economic diversification and infrastructure development. So many disruptions are going to emerge from here. Investors should come to Nigeria, though we can do it “without you, but we should do it together.”

On her part, Lohmirmand, Nigeria, is ranked as one of the fastest-rising and growing Fintechs in the world. She added that Nigerians scale with resilience, not just capital.

“Nigeria is global, they beat countries like Mumbai, Turkey and many more countries with Fintechs and startups,” she stated.

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The milestone follows the launch of the Nigerian Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) in 2024 by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Olubunmi Ajala, national director of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, said the programme was designed to reverse a long-standing trend. “We discovered thousands of AI papers authored by Nigerians, but none tied to Nigerian institutions,” he said at GITEX Nigeria in Abuja. “That’s why NAIRS was created, to give Nigerian researchers, both at home and in the diaspora, a structured platform to produce Nigeria-led AI research.”

More than 4,000 researchers applied to the first call, with 45 consortia of academics and startups selected. Each group received up to ₦5 million ($3,400) in grants and a mandate to publish research in one of five areas: agriculture, healthcare, education, sustainability and utilities.

By August 2025, the initiative had produced 20 published papers, including two in Springer journals, with several projects already tested in the field. These include a computer vision tool using YOLOv8 models to detect “tomato Ebola,” a crop disease, and a smart traffic system that adjusts green-light time in real time instead of fixed cycles.

Ajala said the next phase of NAIRS would focus on patents, biotech applications and commercialisation. “Global partners are keen to see how AI can address African realities, and Nigeria is beginning to provide answers,” he said.

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The portal, available at https://reports.fmhud.gov.ng, provides a secure system through which incidents of fraud in real estate can be reported and reviewed. The Ministry said complaints will be handled in collaboration with professional bodies, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, described the initiative as a major step toward regulating the sector and protecting citizens from fraudulent actors. He explained that it aligns with the 2012 National Housing Policy, which calls for tighter regulation of the housing industry, certification of developers, and efficient legal and administrative oversight.

Dangiwa stressed that the measure would strengthen accountability and restore trust in the housing sector while ensuring that only properly registered professionals are allowed to operate in the built environment.

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The 3MTT scheme, which is part of the government’s broader strategy to train three million Nigerians in digital skills, has so far produced more than 117,000 fellows. While some have already been engaged in jobs, Tijani acknowledged that training alone is not enough without creating viable employment opportunities.

“We are working with BPO companies who are willing to employ Nigerians with digital skills and then outsource their services to clients abroad,” Tijani explained. “We are also setting up what we call a ‘talent city,’ where government buildings will be refurbished and converted into hubs where BPOs can operate and employ a large number of fellows.”

According to the Minister, the program is open to all Nigerians who can read and write, regardless of educational background. Supported by major partners such as MTN, Airtel, IHS, and development agencies like UNDP, the initiative has already provided thousands of young people with practical training, with many receiving stipends during internships.

Tijani emphasized that Nigeria’s youthful demographic gives the country a unique advantage at a time when many advanced economies are dealing with aging populations. “Our goal is not just to create jobs in Nigeria, but also to position young Nigerians for global opportunities,” he said. “Some will travel abroad with the right skills, while those who remain can secure remote jobs that pay in foreign currency while living and contributing to our local economy.”

The initiative reflects a broader ambition to make Nigeria a major player in the global digital economy, while also addressing unemployment challenges among its growing youth population.

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Speaking at a national health innovation summit in Abuja this week, the Minister of Health, Dr. Uju Okafor, described AI as a “transformational tool” that can help Nigeria meet its universal healthcare coverage goals, especially for rural and underserved communities.

“Artificial intelligence will play a pivotal role in reshaping how healthcare is delivered in Nigeria,” Dr. Okafor said. “From early disease detection to patient monitoring, AI has the potential to save lives and optimise our overstretched health workforce.”

The initiative comes at a time when the country faces multiple challenges: inadequate medical infrastructure, shortage of skilled professionals, and significant urban-rural disparities in healthcare access. By leveraging AI, experts believe tasks like diagnostics, health record management, and predictive analytics can be handled more efficiently, allowing doctors and nurses to focus on patient care.

Stakeholders at the event highlighted several pilot projects already underway, including AI-powered telemedicine platforms that connect patients in remote areas with urban-based specialists, and diagnostic tools that use machine learning to identify diseases like malaria and tuberculosis faster than traditional lab tests.

However, experts also cautioned that the rollout must be inclusive and address concerns about data privacy, ethical use, and local capacity building.

Dr. Ifeanyi Nwosu, a digital health consultant, urged the government to invest heavily in local AI research and development and to create policy frameworks that support responsible innovation. “It’s not enough to import technology,” he said. “We need to develop AI solutions that understand our unique health challenges and train local talent to manage and maintain these systems.”

The Minister of Health confirmed that a national task force will be set up in the coming months to draft new guidelines for AI deployment in the health sector, with input from medical practitioners, technologists, and civil society groups.

The renewed focus on AI aligns with Nigeria’s Digital Health Strategy (2020–2025), which prioritises expanding telemedicine, electronic health records, and emerging technologies to modernise healthcare and improve health outcomes for millions of Nigerians.

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