A new report has shown that Nigeria is experiencing rapid and widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, with growing evidence that the technology is becoming a key part of daily life for education, work, and business activities across the country, reshaping how people learn and operate in the digital space.
The report, titled AI Adoption in Nigeria, published by Wow Effect Communications, examines how artificial intelligence is influencing productivity, education, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion nationwide. It found that 88 per cent of Nigerian respondents in a major international survey used at least one AI tool within the past year.
It also revealed that 84 per cent have used generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, showing how quickly these tools have become part of everyday digital activity.
The findings indicate that AI use has moved from experimentation to practical application, with 93 per cent of users relying on it to understand complex topics, 91 per cent for work tasks, and 80 per cent for career exploration.
Chief Strategy Officer at Wow Effect Communications, Williams Popoola, said the growth in adoption should not be mistaken for equal access.
“Nigeria’s digital reality remains uneven. To truly harness the power of AI for national development, we must prioritise bridging the existing digital gaps”, he said.
He noted that access is shaped by factors such as connectivity, affordability, and location, with the report warning that Nigeria’s digital divide remains a key challenge despite rising internet usage. The report also highlights strong business adoption, with 74.1 per cent of digitally enabled firms in cities like Lagos, Rivers, and Abuja integrating AI into their operations.
It adds that sustained progress will depend on improved infrastructure, digital skills, and stronger collaboration between public and private sectors, while commending the Federal Government’s National AI Strategy as a positive step toward a structured AI ecosystem.
