Federal Ministry of Innovation AI adoption call urges Nigerians to embrace technology to drive economic growth and sustainable national development

Federal Ministry of Innovation AI adoption has been described as key to Nigeria’s economic transformation, with the government urging citizens to embrace emerging technologies for sustainable progress.

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Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs Esuabana Asanye, made the call during the Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community Conference held in Abuja.

Asanye said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising key sectors such as agriculture, health, education, energy, and governance, offering tools to optimise production, predict climate risks, and enhance efficiency. “AI can be used for positive and negative purposes,” she noted. “Nigerians must choose to harness its positive side for the progress of our nation.”

She recalled how African scientists developed home-grown solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped to mitigate its impact, and urged participants to apply insights from the conference to national development and economic growth.

Asanye further encouraged stakeholders to collaborate in building a resilient, technologically advanced Nigeria that can withstand future challenges. “Our collective innovation is the foundation of national sustainability,” she added.

Supporting her stance, Senator Iya Abbas, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Innovation, Science and Technology, said technology remains the cornerstone of every nation’s progress.

He stressed that no country has achieved true development without leveraging science and innovation.

Similarly, Hon. Inuwa Garba, Chairman of the House Committee on Innovation, Science and Technology, described technology as essential to human existence.

“This conference is timely because it provides a platform where knowledge meets application, offering solutions to challenges confronting us today,” he said.

Director-General of NACETEM, Dr Olushola Odusanya, explained that the forum serves as an international platform to accelerate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovation.

He added that the event explores how AI and related technologies will shape the future of work, education, and enterprise in Nigeria while fostering professional capacity and collaboration.

Other speakers echoed the need for Nigeria to position itself strategically within the global wave of innovation, warning that no nation can afford to stand aside as technology reshapes modern economies.

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This powerful call to action from the Federal Ministry signals a renewed commitment to aligning national policies with global technological trends and nurturing a culture of innovation capable of propelling Nigeria into a new era of digital growth.