Artificial Intelligence (AI) is steadily moving from being just a buzzword to a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, as highlighted by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, during a recent national event. In a keynote address delivered at the first virtual public lecture series hosted by the ministry in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Lagos Business School (LBS), Dr. Tijani reaffirmed the federal government’s ongoing commitment to fostering AI development to boost productivity and foster national prosperity—reportedly seeing it as vital to improving sectors like agriculture that directly impact ordinary Nigerians.
Themed around “Using AI for the Early Detection and Management of Tuta Absoluta-Induced Tomato Diseases,” the lecture was part of the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS), an initiative designed to elevate homegrown technological research and encourage innovative solutions to some of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges. According to the ministry, the scheme aims to bridge the gap between research and commercially viable AI solutions, bringing together stakeholders across academia, industry, and government to collaborate for national growth.
The spotlight of the session fell on the remarkable solution presented by the Tomato Ebola research consortium—a group that includes Dr. Aniebietabasi Ackley (New Zealand), Dr. Harisu Abdullahi (New Zealand), Mark Marvellous (UK/Canada), and Ofem Eteng (Nigeria)—who are leveraging AI technologies to combat the “Tuta Absoluta” pest threatening tomato crops. The pest, sometimes called the “Tomato Ebola,” has been devastating fields across Nigeria and other African countries, leading to substantial losses for local farmers and raising serious concerns about food security in the region, according to agricultural experts. By developing AI-powered early detection tools, the team, funded through one of 45 AI Research Grants awarded by the government, hopes to mitigate these losses and serve as a model for other research teams tackling similar local issues.
Reflecting on the potential for AI to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Dr. Tijani noted, “With this public lecture series, I do hope that Nigeria will begin to show the world that we are not just paying lip service to AI but we’re truly building it to improve the lot of our people to achieve shared prosperity.” He emphasized that research like this illustrates the government’s strategic view of AI as a driver for both technological advancement and socioeconomic development.
AI-driven interventions, as demonstrated, are not only about technological “catch-up” but also about empowering Nigeria to carve out a leadership position in the African digital economy. The NAIRS lectures are slated to be a recurring opportunity where researchers, policy makers, and industry experts can share project outcomes, with potential for these ideas to evolve into startups that deliver practical solutions for local—and even global—markets. According to the ministry, this approach could help position Nigeria as a frontrunner in using technology to tackle urgent challenges like food shortages, health crises, and educational gaps.
The growing embrace of AI in Nigeria must, however, be examined in a broader context. Despite the promise of technology, past critics have cautioned that digital leapfrogging can sometimes exacerbate inequalities if access is limited to urban elites or foreign-trained experts. Responding to such concerns, advocates within NAIRS argue that the structure of the program, which specifically encourages localization and capacity building, will ensure benefits reach rural communities and marginalized groups, improving lives at the grassroots. In a country where agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy and employs millions, solutions like the “Tomato Ebola” project have the potential to make tangible impacts on food supply and livelihoods.
Adding a regional perspective, agricultural innovation through AI is not unique to Nigeria. Across West Africa, countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire are reportedly exploring similar digital farming methods to manage crop diseases and improve yield forecasting. Regional experts believe that collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing across ECOWAS nations could enable faster rollout of these technologies and help address common threats to regional food security—an area of increasing concern amid climate change and cross-border pest outbreaks.
Globally, Nigeria’s experiments in local AI research also place the country on the map as a potential leader in tech-driven agriculture. International observers from organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization have noted the importance of indigenous innovation in Africa for scalable solutions. By taking the lead in AI-powered plant disease detection, Nigeria may inspire partnerships, attract funding, and contribute to global know-how—though some experts caution that building critical digital infrastructure remains a long-term challenge. According to a statement by NAIRS, cross-border partnerships and further investments will play a critical role in ensuring these successes are not isolated but replicated and scaled across Africa.
Dr. Tijani praised the efforts of “trailblazing Nigerian researchers,” highlighting that their commitment and ingenuity are driving the conversation around AI from theory to practical application. “This will serve as an inspiration to other scientists across the country,” he added, as quoted on his social media and during the public lecture. The Ministry has stated its belief that continued support for programs like NAIRS will create an enduring culture of innovation needed for Nigeria—and West Africa at large—to compete and thrive in the future global technology landscape.
Despite the general optimism, some analysts and local stakeholders have urged caution, reminding policymakers that technology alone cannot solve deep-rooted problems without adequate investment in extension services, farmer education, data privacy, and good governance. According to community leaders in the tomato farming regions of Northern Nigeria, the success of such digital tools will rely on their ease of adoption, language accessibility, and continued government backing.
NAIRS lectures going forward are expected to highlight research projects not only in agriculture but also sectors like healthcare, security, climate resilience, and education, inviting contributions from a new generation of AI talent within Nigeria and the diaspora. According to the ministry, this approach aims to foster “an inclusive technology ecosystem” that reflects Nigeria’s dynamic, diverse society while bringing practical benefit to everyday citizens and strengthening the nation’s voice on the continental and global technology stage.
As AI continues to reshape industries worldwide, Nigerians—alongside their West African neighbors—face an important crossroads. How can local innovation be harnessed to meet uniquely African needs, and what steps are needed to ensure no region or group is left behind? The ongoing public lecture series may not answer all questions, but it certainly begins a vital national dialogue at a time when homegrown technological advances are more critical than ever.
What is your view on the role of artificial intelligence in transforming Nigeria’s key sectors—should government invest even more in local tech talent and research? How can access be expanded to rural and underserved communities? Share your perspective below or reach out to us directly.
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