*Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, affirms the Nigerian Government has commenced the process of establishing the first-of-its-kind ‘National AI Trust’ with a co-creation workshop in London, UK, tapping into world-class expertise and diverse perspectives
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
As the country intensifies efforts at advancing the Nigeria Digital Economy for marked transformation, the Federal Government has commenced the process of establishing the first-of-its-kind “National AI Trust” with a co-creation workshop in the United Kingdom (UK).
ConsumerConnect reports Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), disclosed the key stakeholders held a co-creation workshop during the week in London, UK.
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Tijani said the event followed the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of the Ministry’s National AI Trust, to ensure long-term leadership for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria.
The Minister said the forum attracted leading researchers, academics, policymakers, industry experts, philanthropies, and public interest organisations, as “we commenced the process of establishing this first-of-its-kind AI Trust.”
As Artificial Intelligence becomes an increasingly important driver of economic competitiveness, he emphasised that it is critical that the country builds not only the technology foundations, but also the institutions that can provide sustainable stewardship.
He further explained the National AI Trust is envisioned as a body of trustees that would help to ensure that AI development and deployment delivers broad-based economic and social value for all Nigerians consumers.
Justifying the rationale for holding the session in London, Dr. Tijani opined that convening the workshop in London allowed the government to tap into world-class expertise and diverse perspectives, helping to strengthen Nigeria’s thinking, and shape the future direction of the National AI Trust.
The Minister equally related that during the visit, he enjoyed being hosted by his alma mater, University of Warwick – Warwick Business School, for “a keynote conversation on Global Perspectives: AI, Institutions, and National Competitiveness, hosted by Professor Christian Stadler”.
According to him, the discussion provided an opportunity to share Nigeria’s approach to building the talents, infrastructure, Digital Public Infrastructure, and institutional capacity required to compete and thrive in an AI-driven world.
In a blog note, Tijani expressed sincere appreciation to the MacArthur Foundation, Co-creation HUB (CcHUB) Limited, and the University of Warwick – Warwick Business School, for organising the workshop, and all participants and partners whose contributions have continued to strengthen Nigeria’s AI journey in the digital landscape.