Nigeria’s Imperative: Embracing Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development
Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable development hinges on its ability to break free from the shackles of the past and embrace the transformative power of emerging technologies. This was the resounding message delivered by Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), Chairman of the Council of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), at the institute’s Annual National Management Conference in Abuja. He emphasized that true progress necessitates a departure from outdated systems, the cultivation of a peaceful environment, and a deliberate embrace of innovation. A chaotic or insecure atmosphere, he argued, is antithetical to meaningful development. The conference theme itself underscored the global significance of emerging technologies as the defining forces of progress. For any nation or organization aspiring to long-term success, leveraging these technologies to drive innovation, creativity, and productivity is not merely an option, but a necessity.
Echoing this sentiment, Michael Egboh, Country Director of the Chenomics Project Nigeria, highlighted Nigeria’s significant human capital advantage. He stressed the critical need for government readiness to effectively harness this potential through technology, noting that Nigeria continues to export skilled manpower to developed nations, demonstrating its vast intellectual capacity. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, holds the key to unlocking this potential by automating tasks, enabling data-driven decision-making, and powering innovation across various sectors. Egboh cited specific examples in agriculture, where drone monitoring, IoT-enabled soil sensors, and supply chain traceability offer opportunities to significantly improve yields and export capabilities. He emphasized the crucial role of education reform, advocating for a shift towards digital classrooms, e-learning, and STEM-focused programs.
To fully capitalize on these technological advancements, Egboh proposed the creation of a national digital innovation framework integrating AI, IoT, and blockchain into a coordinated strategy. This framework would necessitate investments in digital skills development, robust talent pipelines, and essential infrastructure. Specifically, he urged the government to expand affordable internet access nationwide, accelerate 5G deployment, and establish data centers to address data sovereignty concerns. Inclusivity is paramount, ensuring that women, rural communities, and persons with disabilities are not left behind in this digital transformation. Furthermore, fostering collaboration between government, private sector, academia, and civil society is essential for creating a culture of open data, experimentation, and a tolerance for calculated risks. Crucially, Nigeria’s technological advancement must be locally relevant and ethically sound, ensuring its benefits are aligned with the nation’s unique context and values.
The Federal Government, represented by Francis Nyenge on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reaffirmed its commitment to technology-driven development. Akume emphasized the competitive advantage gained by nations that embrace innovation, particularly in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, robotics, and biotechnology. These technologies empower nations and organizations to transform challenges into opportunities and accelerate sustainable development. He highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population and expanding digital economy as unique opportunities for innovation across various sectors, including governance, agriculture, industry, education, health, and services.
Akume credited President Bola Tinubu with laying the foundation for a knowledge-driven economy through initiatives such as the Nigeria Startup Act, the establishment of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, and targeted investments in broadband infrastructure and digital skills development. By prioritizing policies that support artificial intelligence, digital finance, renewable energy technologies, and youth-focused innovation hubs, the Tinubu administration aims to ensure that Nigeria not only keeps pace with global technological trends but also leverages them to create jobs and enhance competitiveness.
The government reiterated its commitment to continued investment in infrastructure, research, and partnerships to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem. Akume stressed the importance of collective effort, recognizing that harnessing emerging technologies to achieve national aspirations requires the concerted engagement of all stakeholders. This collaborative approach is vital for navigating the complexities of technological advancement and ensuring its benefits are shared broadly across Nigerian society. The overarching message is clear: embracing emerging technologies is not merely a desirable option for Nigeria, but a fundamental necessity for achieving sustainable development and securing a prosperous future.
By actively pursuing these technological advancements, coupled with a commitment to good governance, peace, and inclusivity, Nigeria can unlock its vast potential and emerge as a leader in the global digital economy. This transformative journey requires strategic investments, collaborative partnerships, and a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes innovation, skills development, and equitable access to technology for all citizens. This holistic strategy, combining technological advancement with social and political progress, offers the most promising path towards a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria. The challenge now lies in translating these aspirations into concrete actions and tangible results, ensuring that the promise of emerging technologies is realized for the benefit of all Nigerians.
