…Where Is Nigeria In This Revolution?
By Daniel Okonkwo
In this rude awakening, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, governance, and financial markets at an unprecedented pace. The recent sale of X, formerly Twitter, to Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, for $45 billion epitomizes the expanding role of AI in business acquisitions and strategic decision-making. The deal, which includes $12 billion in debt, redefines how AI is not only revolutionizing technological capabilities but also becoming a key player in corporate ownership and financial transactions.
Musk’s strategic move to integrate xAI with X highlights a broader trend—AI’s fusion with social media, data analytics, and content distribution. In his announcement, Musk emphasized that combining xAI’s advanced AI capabilities with X’s vast user base would unlock immense potential. The integration of AI-driven models, such as the Grok chatbot, into the platform is already demonstrating this vision by enhancing user experience and engagement.
AI trading refers to the use of predictive analytics, machine learning, and automation to analyze stock data, generate investment insights, build portfolios, and execute trades. With AI’s accessibility increasing, investors are leveraging its power for stock picking, portfolio management, and risk assessment. Robo-advisory firms, hedge funds, and individual traders now depend on AI-driven models to make informed financial decisions, saving time and improving accuracy.
This legal and increasingly widespread adoption of AI in financial markets marks a shift in how investment strategies are developed. AI allows for real-time market analysis, reducing the need for human traders while enhancing efficiency. As AI continues to evolve, it may redefine the traditional dynamics of trading and wealth management.
AI is already deeply embedded in various business operations. Chatbots handle customer service inquiries, machine learning models assist in financial decisions, and robots are revolutionizing manufacturing. While some industries will see minimal disruption, others are rapidly integrating AI-powered systems, displacing human roles in the process. AI’s ability to automate tasks previously performed by humans raises questions about workforce adaptation and the future of employment.
Despite concerns over job displacement, AI presents significant opportunities for businesses and governments to optimize processes, enhance productivity, and drive innovation. AI’s role in streamlining governance, public services, and economic development is particularly noteworthy.
At the Global Government Summit 2025 in Singapore, Nigeria unveiled a transformative initiative in AI-driven governance. Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, introduced Service-Wise GPT, a national AI platform designed to modernize public service delivery. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, developed by the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
Service-Wise GPT represents Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging AI for governance, aiming to enhance efficiency, transparency, and public engagement. As Nigeria integrates AI into its administrative frameworks, ethical considerations and responsible AI deployment remain central to ensuring inclusive growth and societal benefits.
In a bid to advance a sustainable AI ecosystem, Nigeria has launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme. This initiative supports AI researchers and startups with grants of up to N5,000,000 each for 45 successful applicants. Eligibility criteria include:
A consortium comprising a startup, a Nigerian academic researcher, or an international researcher.
Research proposals aligned with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s AI priority areas.
A demonstrable track record of excellence in research or entrepreneurship.
A commitment to publishing at least one peer-reviewed article within a year of receiving the grant.
This scheme highlights Nigeria’s ambition to become a leader in AI research, ensuring that the nation is prepared for the global AI transformation.
AI’s rapid growth raises critical questions about readiness and adaptation. As AI takes over repetitive tasks, data analysis, and some customer service roles, industries and governments must foresightedly prepare for the evolving job mesocosm. The focus should be on reskilling workers, facilitating innovation, and establishing regulatory frameworks to ensure AI’s responsible implementation.
AI is revolutionizing nearly every aspect of modern life, from business acquisitions and financial markets to governance and workforce transformation. The world must be prepared for this shift, and Nigeria’s proactive steps toward AI adoption demonstrate a commitment to harnessing its potential responsibly. The question remains: Are we ready for the AI-driven future?
