The Nigerian outsourcing industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve service delivery and stay globally competitive. This shift was the central theme at the 2025 Association of Outsourcing Professionals of Nigeria (AOPN) Outsourcing Expo, held in Lagos. The event highlighted how AI is being adopted across recruitment, service optimisation, and digital strategy to reshape the industry’s future.
Speaking at the conference, AOPN President Mope Abudu emphasized the urgency for Nigerian outsourcing firms to adopt AI-driven technologies to remain relevant in the fast-evolving global digital economy. “This is a time of transformation,” she said, urging professionals to evolve alongside the technologies shaping the industry. She stressed that delivering value-added, AI-enhanced services will be key to attracting international clients.
Outsourcing companies are now developing stronger digital footprints and offering AI consulting as part of their core services. According to Abudu, leveraging digital marketing, niche specializations, and exceptional customer experiences will help Nigerian firms scale globally. The ultimate goal, she added, is to align local capabilities with global standards while catering to Nigeria’s unique market demands.
One of the highlights of the event was a keynote by Olubunmi Popoola-Mordi, Executive Director at TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria, who showcased practical use cases of AI in HR. Tools like Microsoft Co-pilot are being used to automate job descriptions, candidate profiling, and interview processes—reducing manual workload while improving efficiency. She, however, stressed the continued importance of human judgment in final decision-making.
As the industry embraces AI, speakers also raised concerns about data privacy, ethical use, and the need to reskill the workforce. AOPN leaders concluded by urging firms to move beyond discussions and act quickly in adopting AI-powered solutions. The Expo underscored a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s outsourcing landscape, positioning it for innovation-led growth in the digital economy.
Source: Punch