Nigeria is stepping up efforts to build indigenous AI capacity as the Federal Government looks to use technology, digital infrastructure and local talent to support its ambitious target of growing the economy to $1tn. The push was highlighted at GITEX Nigeria 2026 in Abuja, where government officials, investors and technology leaders called for Nigeria to move from relying heavily on foreign technology to developing solutions that can compete globally.
Speaking at the opening of the Government Leadership & AI Summit on Monday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Nigeria must go beyond basic internet connectivity and focus on building local innovation and digital sovereignty. According to him, the country needs to develop the talent, infrastructure and technology required to create solutions “built by Nigeria, for Nigeria” while also positioning local companies and professionals to serve the global market.
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Abdullahi, said the government was already laying the groundwork for stronger digital sovereignty through investments in technical skills, connectivity, cloud infrastructure and regulation. He pointed to programmes such as Digital Literacy for All, the 3 Million Technical Talent programme and Project BRIDGE as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s technology talent pool and strengthen the infrastructure needed for responsible AI adoption.
The conversation also highlighted a major gap in Africa’s digital infrastructure. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said Africa’s growing AI workloads are still being processed largely outside the continent, creating challenges around cost, speed and data sovereignty. He argued that Nigeria’s subsea cable capacity gives Lagos a strong starting point, but the country needs significantly more computing infrastructure to turn its digital connectivity into a bigger investment opportunity.
With GITEX Nigeria 2026 running from August 31 to September 3 across Abuja and Lagos, attention is now turning to whether the country can translate its AI ambitions into practical investment, jobs and locally developed technology. More than 200 investors from 30 countries are expected at the Lagos programme, while startups and technology companies will have opportunities to connect with global investors. For Nigeria, the bigger challenge will be turning its ambition for indigenous AI capacity into an engine of real economic growth and a meaningful step towards the $1tn economy target.
source: punch
