The National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners (NAAIP) has dispelled concerns regarding the potential job losses from the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence in Nigeria. During the 2026 AI Awareness Day in Abuja, NAAIP officials highlighted the importance of Nigeria shifting from being consumers of foreign technology to developing its own AI solutions and data. This transition is seen as essential for the country’s growth in the tech sector.

Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede, NAAIP President, emphasized that predictions of mass unemployment due to AI are mostly unfounded, drawing parallels between technological advancements in the past, such as the transition from typewriters to computers, which did not eliminate jobs but rather changed the nature of work. He pointed out that staying informed and adaptive to AI developments is crucial for workers to maintain their employability and capitalize on new job roles that AI might create.

The discussion comes at a crucial time as Nigeria seeks to enhance its position in the global AI landscape. By focusing on developing local talent and solutions, the association believes it can not only mitigate the fears of job losses but also harness the full potential of AI to foster economic growth and innovation within the country.