Nigeria has taken another step towards strengthening its position in the global artificial intelligence landscape as the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, unveiled plans for a National AI Trust at the Warwick Business School in London.

The initiative was presented during a two-day National AI Trust Convening hosted by the business school as part of a series of engagements organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to shape Nigeria’s approach to artificial intelligence.

The gathering brought together senior government officials, international AI experts, business leaders, academics and civil society representatives to discuss the design of the proposed trust, which is expected to guide the next phase of AI adoption, investment and responsible innovation in Nigeria.

The event marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to establish a governance framework for a technology increasingly seen as central to economic competitiveness and digital transformation.

Addressing participants, Tijani said the proposed AI Trust would position Nigeria as a leader in responsible AI governance.

“We are going to become a standard bearer for the world. This has never been done before; the AI Trust is one of its kind and is an important step in building the foundations for Nigeria to thrive in the age of AI,” he said.

He described artificial intelligence as a transformative technology capable of reshaping industries and economies, stressing that Nigeria must take deliberate steps to ensure it remains competitive.

“This is a transformative technology. AI is becoming the operating system for how countries compete and how businesses evolve. It will change every sector, and the Trust is to ensure Nigeria is part of that transformation,” Tijani said.

The minister noted that the government’s role is to create the right infrastructure and governance environment that would allow businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs to maximise the opportunities presented by AI.

“To be part of this race and lead Africa, Nigeria will have to be more innovative; the Government’s job is to ensure the infrastructure and governance is in place for business and entrepreneurs to do that and gain the full benefit of AI,” he added.

The proposed AI Trust is expected to complement ongoing investments in digital infrastructure, including Project BRIDGE, an initiative through which the ministry is seeking to raise $2 billion to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cables across the country.

According to Tijani, strong governance structures will be critical to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the AI initiative.

“The competitiveness of any society starts with governance. If the Trust can demonstrate impact and show its value, then it will ensure its longevity beyond the present government,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of African participation in the development of global AI systems, noting that diverse perspectives must be reflected as the technology evolves.

“Representation in the new AI world is important for Africa. We need participation beyond the US and the West. As AI systems expand globally, understanding diverse contexts matters. The National AI Trust can play a part in this,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Dean of Warwick Business School, Andy Lockett, described AI governance as a global priority and welcomed the opportunity to support Nigeria’s efforts in the sector.

“AI governance is of huge importance—not just for Africa, but for countries around the world,” he said.

Lockett noted that the institution has a longstanding tradition of influencing policy and practice, adding that the school was pleased to support initiatives that encourage collaboration and shape the future of emerging technologies.

The convening featured presentations from Warwick Business School academics and was organised in partnership with Co-Creation Hub and the MacArthur Foundation. (The Guardian)

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