The MacArthur Foundation, Dataphyte Foundation, and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have convened key stakeholders to advance discussions on building an inclusive, safe, and sustainable artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem in Nigeria.
The dialogue brought together policymakers, researchers, technology experts, academics, civil society organisations, and media practitioners to examine both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI development in the country.
Held at the University of Lagos, the stakeholder engagement focused on how Nigeria can position itself as a leading player in Africa’s emerging AI landscape while ensuring that technological progress benefits citizens across different regions, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants stressed that AI development must be guided by inclusion, accountability, and local realities.
Speaking during the event, the Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Kole Shettima, emphasized the importance of ensuring that Nigeria remains actively involved in global conversations around artificial intelligence.
He noted that AI policies and innovations should reflect the realities and needs of diverse communities rather than being shaped solely by external perspectives.
Stakeholders acknowledged that Nigeria has recorded significant progress in AI-related innovation in recent years, including local-language applications, research initiatives, and the development of policy frameworks designed to encourage ethical AI adoption.
However, concerns remain regarding inadequate governance structures, weak safety standards, insufficient research funding, and the underrepresentation of indigenous languages and local priorities in AI systems.
The discussions also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, private sector innovators, and development partners.
Experts argued that the success of AI in Nigeria will depend not only on technological advancement but also on the establishment of effective governance mechanisms capable of addressing emerging risks and ensuring public trust.
Representatives from academia emphasized the importance of investing in local research and innovation.
They argued that Nigeria’s long-term AI competitiveness will depend on sustained support for universities, research institutions, open-source development, and indigenous digital infrastructure.
Participants also called for greater investment in technologies that support Nigerian languages and cultural contexts.
Another key issue raised during the dialogue was AI safety.
Experts noted that governance frameworks should be rooted in Nigeria’s unique realities and capable of addressing risks associated with misinformation, algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and other potential harms.
They advocated stronger institutions, sustainable funding mechanisms, and community-driven approaches to AI oversight.
Participants further stressed the need to prevent talent loss by creating opportunities that encourage Nigerian AI professionals and researchers to remain within the country.
According to contributors, supporting local innovation ecosystems and creating pathways for commercialisation could help strengthen Nigeria’s position within the global AI economy.
The event aligns with broader efforts by the MacArthur Foundation to promote digital inclusion, AI knowledge, ethics, and innovation among young Nigerians through its Nigeria Next initiative.
The programme seeks to empower young people through technology, creativity, civic participation, and evidence-based policy development.
At the conclusion of the dialogue, participants agreed that building an AI ecosystem that is innovative, inclusive, and safe will require sustained collaboration across sectors.
They committed to supporting future engagements, policy advocacy, research partnerships, and practical initiatives aimed at translating recommendations into measurable outcomes.
Analysts say the conversation reflects growing recognition that artificial intelligence will play a significant role in Nigeria’s economic development, public service delivery, education, healthcare, and governance.
However, they maintain that ensuring the benefits of AI are widely shared will require deliberate efforts to address issues of access, inclusion, accountability, and local relevance.