Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has underscored the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accelerating productivity and driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
Delivering a keynote address at the inaugural virtual public lecture series organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Lagos Business School (LBS), Tijani said the Federal Government’s strong focus on AI stems from its capacity to boost productivity and, ultimately, raise the nation’s GDP.
The lecture, organised under the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS), was titled “Using AI for the Early Detection and Management of Tuta Absoluta-Induced Tomato Diseases”, showcasing an innovative solution developed by the Tomato Ebola Research Consortium, led by Dr. Aniebietabasi Ackley (Team Leader, New Zealand).
Tijani praised the researchers’ pioneering work, noting that their application of AI to tackle Tuta Absoluta, a destructive tomato disease, reflects how digital technologies can transform agriculture and strengthen Nigeria’s food security.
“With this public lecture series, we want to show the world that Nigeria is not just talking about AI, we are building it to improve lives and drive shared prosperity,” Tijani said.
“This initiative allows us to extend research into startups and AI-driven applications that solve local problems while positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.”
The Tomato Ebola Research Team is among 45 recipients of Nigeria’s first-ever AI Research Grant, awarded by the Federal Government to support solutions addressing critical agricultural challenges through AI.
According to Tijani, initiatives like NAIRS demonstrate Nigeria’s determination to build a robust AI ecosystem capable of spurring innovation, supporting local research, and boosting global competitiveness.
By spotlighting homegrown research with real-world applications, the NAIRS lecture series aims to bring together researchers, policymakers, and innovators to drive economic growth, food security and Nigeria’s emergence as a global player in AI-powered solutions.
About the Author
