Tinubu Approves AI Training for Five Million Nigerian Workers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an ambitious plan to train five million Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging digital technologies over the next three years.

The initiative is aimed at preparing Nigeria’s workforce for the demands of a fast-evolving global digital economy.

The training program will be implemented through the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

It targets both public and private sector employees, with a focus on enhancing national productivity, digital inclusion, and socio-economic development.

Speaking during DBI’s 21st anniversary celebration in Abuja, DBI President David Daser said the program has already commenced and will be delivered in partnership with global technology leaders.

The event, themed “Preparing Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Market,” brought together stakeholders from across government, academia, and the private sector.

“This program will focus on training Nigerians in critical digital areas including AI, cybersecurity, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT),” Daser said. “It is a strategic response to the growing global demand for digital skills and a necessary step to position Nigeria as a hub for AI development and innovation.”

According to industry estimates, Nigeria risks losing up to $11 billion annually in economic growth due to a widening digital skills gap.

The new initiative is seen as a bold step toward bridging that gap and future-proofing the nation’s workforce.

The government is encouraging participation from state and local governments, with DBI campuses across the country poised to serve as training centers.

The effort is part of a broader national strategy that includes the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program and the development of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy.

Present at the anniversary event were representatives from major institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC),

Nigerian Navy, and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), reflecting wide institutional support for the AI initiative.

President Tinubu’s approval of the training program underscores his administration’s commitment to digital transformation, workforce empowerment, and positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.