The Nigerian government plans to launch a $1.5 million fund to support artificial intelligence (AI) development. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced the initiative in an interview with Arise TV after attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Dr. Bosuntijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Launched today, October 7, in Abuja, the AI Foundation is a global foundation committed to ensuring that all people have the information, rights and power to influence the decisions that affect their lives. Supported by a Luminate. This comes just weeks after the ministry introduced a 100 million naira AI fund in partnership with Google, which came under criticism for being insufficient to spark an AI revolution.
Pooling resources for AI
Dr. Tijani explained that many people misunderstand the 100 million Naira AI Fund by focusing only on the amount. He emphasized that the government is marshaling both local and international resources. Luminate's additional $1.5 million in support will play a key role in strengthening this effort.
The department is also partnering with the AI Collaborative to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Trust. The agency will focus on incorporating local languages into AI technology and ensure that AI development in Nigeria is ethical, safe and sustainable.
Balance technology efforts with grassroots needs
Tijani cited concerns about high-level projects and grassroots challenges, and highlighted the long-term benefits of infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing effort to install 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across Nigeria. He assured that although the project will take time to complete, its benefits will alleviate many social problems.
Additionally, Mr. Tijani highlighted the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MT) initiative which has already started providing employment opportunities to many Nigerians. Additionally, the 774 project aims to connect local government offices and strengthen services at the grassroots level.
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