Artificial intelligence adoption among Nigerian firms has surged to 40%, matching the penetration rate seen in the United States, according to new data from the World Bank.
The finding highlights a rapid acceleration in technology integration across the West African economy, challenging traditional narratives about the digital divide between emerging and advanced markets.
The World Bank has long urged emerging economies to leverage AI as a tool to narrow development gaps, arguing that strategic adoption can drive productivity and efficiency.
Nigeria’s latest figures suggest the country is making significant progress on this front, with a substantial portion of its corporate base now utilizing AI-driven tools.
This development aligns with broader global trends where AI is becoming a standard operational component rather than a niche innovation.
In a parallel move to regulate the digital landscape, the Nigerian federal government has ordered all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to appoint dedicated data protection officers.