President Bola Tinubu has met with Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, to discuss on a strategic alliance needed to position Nigeria at a competitive stage of the global drive in Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and digital innovation, particularly in Africa.
At the meeting, Tinubu commended Pichai and his team on the company’s commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation and harnessing the immense potential of AI for the nation’s economic growth and societal advancement.
A statement issued by issued by the Special Adviser to the President Tinubu on Information & Strategy Bayo Onanuga, on the issues discussed at the meeting indicated that the Google’s team engaged in constructive discussions with President Tinubu to transform Nigeria into a prominent technology and innovation hub, leveraging AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure to foster economic growth and enhance global competitiveness.
According to the President’s aide, the conversations focus on key initiatives, including expanding digital infrastructure in Nigeria, equipping the workforce with essential digital skills for the future, promoting AI-driven research and innovation, encouraging greater cloud adoption across various industries, and establishing Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy.
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Tinubu was quoted as saying that the partnership aligns seamlessly with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, mainly focusing on the nation’s economic diversification through industrialisation, technology, and innovation.
He further noted Nigeria’s potential as a burgeoning global technology destination and expressed his commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts strategic investments from leading tech companies.
The President commended Google’s ongoing involvement in Nigeria’s digital transformation and its contribution to opening new opportunities for businesses and young talents.
He maintained that the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy would provide strategic oversight, while the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) would coordinate efforts together with the organised private sector to ensure widespread and meaningful impact.
Speaking at the meeting, Google CEO reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation, noting that “Nigeria has an incredible opportunity to lead in AI and digital innovation in Africa. Google is excited to continue working with the Nigerian government to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and economic growth.”
Commenting on the Google team’s parley with the President, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who also attended the meeting, said partnership between Nigeria and Google represented an important opportunity to accelerate Nigeria’s technological advancement and strengthen our digital economy.
He restated the Nigerian government’s committed to ensuring that AI and digital transformation create tangible benefits for businesses and citizens across the country
