Nigeria Launches AI Training for Civil Servants with Google Support to Boost Digital Governance
Nigeria has kicked off a major initiative to train its civil servants in artificial intelligence (AI), marking a new phase in the nation’s digital transformation journey. The programme, supported by Google.org in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) and Apolitical, aims to build an AI-ready public sector capable of driving smarter governance and more efficient public service delivery.
The training—delivered through the Apolitical Government AI Campus, a global centre for advancing AI excellence in governance—will provide public servants with access to specialized courses, expert-led events, and policy resources. These resources are tailored to help them understand the fundamentals of AI, navigate ethical considerations, and apply the technology effectively to improve government operations.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized that the programme represents a key step toward embedding AI into Nigeria’s public administration. “We see Artificial Intelligence as a major driver of productivity across our key sectors,” he said, noting that the government is investing heavily in AI capacity-building to modernize processes, cut bureaucracy, and enhance citizen-focused service delivery.
The launch event, held in Abuja, brought together senior government officials for a leadership briefing that highlighted the growing importance of AI in governance. According to Apolitical’s research, 72 percent of government leaders globally are already testing AI solutions, yet many lack a clear strategy for adoption. Nigeria’s participation in the initiative seeks to bridge this gap and position its workforce at the forefront of AI-driven innovation in the public sector.
Representatives from Google and Apolitical underscored the transformative potential of the initiative. Olumide Balogun, Google’s West Africa Director, said the company’s support reflects its commitment to empowering public sector leaders with digital knowledge and tools to build a smarter and more inclusive economy. Similarly, Chris Ferguson, Vice President at Apolitical, described the effort as a pioneering step toward equipping Nigerian civil servants to lead the country’s digital future with confidence and competence.
source: Leadership