Stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital sector have affirmed the nation’s readiness to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), while stressing that a robust regulatory framework is essential to streamline its development and deployment.This conclusion was reached during a one-day media roundtable held in Abuja on Monday, organized by the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in partnership with Small Businesses Training Solutions (SBTS), a US-based ICT firm.DBI President David Daser emphasized the need for AI regulation, urging stakeholders to address ethical and legal concerns as the technology expands. “There is no doubt that Nigeria is ready for AI,” he noted, while highlighting that proper oversight is crucial to ensure its responsible use.Daser also outlined the strategic collaboration between DBI and SBTS, which aims to create at least 50,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians. He explained that this initiative dovetails with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on youth empowerment and job creation through digital skills development. “This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the 3MTT programme spearheaded by Minister Bosun Tijani, both designed to build a skilled workforce that will drive Nigeria’s digital economy and position the country as a global tech hub,” Daser said.He called on government agencies, private sector leaders, and all stakeholders to prioritize digital skills training and youth empowerment, emphasizing the urgency of building an ecosystem where innovation thrives, businesses flourish, and Nigeria’s youth are equipped to excel in the 21st-century economy.Daser reiterated DBI’s mission to bridge the digital divide by equipping individuals with state-of-the-art ICT and telecommunications skills—capabilities that are essential for success in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape. Over the years, DBI has trained thousands of professionals, students, and entrepreneurs, consistently championing digital literacy as a catalyst for economic growth.Regarding the partnership with SBTS, Daser remarked, “This collaboration is not just a milestone; it is a game changer.” The joint initiative will deliver high-quality, practical training designed to empower young Nigerians to build sustainable careers, launch businesses, and ultimately become job creators rather than job seekers. The program will cover key areas such as entrepreneurship, digital marketing, software development, cybersecurity, and business management, ensuring that participants are competitive on a global scale.Beyond technical training, the partnership will offer mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and business incubation support to facilitate a smooth transition from training to employment or entrepreneurship. “This is the kind of initiative that will help Nigeria unlock the full potential of its youthful population,” Daser added.Evelyn Lewis, CEO of SBTS, echoed these sentiments, describing the collaboration with DBI as a bold commitment to advancing capacity building, digital education, and job creation both in Nigeria and beyond. “In today’s digital economy, adapting and acquiring relevant skills is key not only to individual success but to national progress. Africa possesses immense talent, yet access to structured and scalable training programs remains a challenge. This is the gap we are here to fill,” she stated.For Nigeria to lead Africa in bridging the digital divide, all stakeholders must come together to promote structured digital education and skills training. In his closing remarks, Akin Ogunlade, Head of Public Affairs at DBI, stressed that the media roundtable was designed to facilitate business collaborations with SBTS and to raise broader awareness about the partners’ activities, goals, and successes.As Nigeria looks toward a future driven by digital innovation, this partnership and its initiatives are poised to play a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and technologically empowered economy.
Nigeria Set to Harness AI’s Potential, Urgent Regulation Needed – DBI & SBTS
