AI Deployment Set for Full-Scale Adoption Across Nigeria’s Key Sectors in 2026 – Experts
Artificial intelligence (AI) deployment in Nigeria is expected to transition from experimental pilot projects to full-scale production across key sectors of the economy in 2026, industry experts have said. Sectors expected to experience the most impact include banking, telecommunications, healthcare, logistics, fintech and public administration, as organisations increasingly rely on AI to improve efficiency, productivity and service delivery.
President of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Emoekpere, said the ICT sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation that goes beyond connectivity. According to him, advances in artificial intelligence, automation, fibre-led broadband expansion and cloud-based services are gradually shifting Nigeria from a purely digital economy to an intelligent one. He noted that despite macroeconomic pressures such as currency volatility, rising energy costs and expensive imported equipment in 2025, telecoms and ICT operators showed resilience by maintaining service continuity and restoring growth momentum.
Similarly, Vice President of Sales, Growth and Retention at OneData, Stephen Albert, described the outlook for 2026 as cautiously optimistic, citing rising demand for data services, cloud computing, enterprise connectivity and AI-powered digital platforms. He said growth opportunities would be driven by fibre-to-the-business expansion, managed services, campus connectivity and digital transformation initiatives across education, healthcare, finance and events. However, he warned that regulatory uncertainty, foreign exchange volatility, power supply instability and infrastructure security challenges remain key risks.
Experts also projected that automation will become a necessity rather than an option by 2026, as organisations adopt robotic process automation, AI-driven workflows and predictive analytics to manage cost pressures and enhance customer experience. Stakeholders further noted that localised AI models trained on Nigerian data, consumer behaviour and indigenous languages will gain prominence, allowing technology solutions to better reflect local realities and business needs.
Both industry leaders stressed that infrastructure development will ultimately determine the pace of Nigeria’s digital transformation. While data services, fintech and enterprise connectivity recorded gains in 2025, progress was slowed by Right-of-Way challenges, fibre cuts, multiple taxation and delays in approvals. Looking ahead, they called for accelerated fibre deployment through open-access models, harmonised Right-of-Way charges, reduced taxation and stronger enforcement of telecom infrastructure protection, noting that with the right collaboration, 2026 could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s AI-driven growth.
source: Leadership