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A recent report by Wow Effect Communication has revealed that Nigeria is emerging as one of the most AI-engaged countries among the digitally active populations, with adoption increasingly driven by practical use rather than novelty. It warned that access gaps could deepen inequality since the reality remains uneven
The report noted that AI is becoming part of everyday digital life for many Nigerians already connected to the internet, but emphasized that momentum should not be mistaken for universal access as Nigeria’s digital reality remains uneven.
It stated that ranging from students who use AI to understand difficult topics, to professionals applying it for productivity, research and business support, AI is becoming part of everyday digital life for many Nigerians.
The report revealed that 88 percent of Nigerian respondents in a major international survey said they had used an AI tool in the previous 12 months; 84 percent said they had used generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude; 93 percent reported using AI to learn or understand complex topics; 91 percent reported using AI for work-related support, while 80 percent said they had used AI for business or career-related exploration.
It stressed that while AI uptake is strong among people who are already online, broader national access is still shaped by connectivity, affordability, device ownership, education levels and geography.
According to the Chief Strategy Officer at Wow Effect Communications, Williams Popoola, “To truly harness the power of AI for national development, we must prioritize bridging the existing digital gaps.
Ensuring equitable access to technology and fostering digital literacy across all demographics will be crucial in preventing AI from exacerbating existing inequalities and instead making it a tool for widespread empowerment.”
He noted that with an estimated 107 million internet users in early 2025, Nigeria has a large and growing digital population but pointed to the fact that access was still far from being evenly distributed, especially between urban and rural communities and across regions, according to the report.” This means AI could become either a tool for wider opportunity or another layer of exclusion, depending on how the country responds.
“AI is no longer a distant concept for many Nigerians. It is already being used to learn, work, solve problems and explore economic opportunity. What matters now is whether access, skills and public understanding can keep pace. If they do, AI can support productivity and inclusion. If they do not, the benefits will remain concentrated among those who are already digitally advantaged,” he stated.
The report also pointed to the growing relevance for business and the wider economy. In one cited data point, 74.1 percent of digitally enabled firms in Lagos, Rivers and Abuja reported using AI, suggesting that adoption is beginning to move beyond individual experimentation into operational use.
For Nigeria, this has implications well beyond the technology sector. The report argued that AI should now be understood as a broader national issue touching education, as students and self-learners increasingly use AI to support understanding and skills development; employment and productivity, as workers use AI tools to improve efficiency and output; small business growth, as entrepreneurs use AI for research, writing, planning and customer engagement; public policy, as the country considers how to support innovation while managing risks and expanding equitable access and digital inclusion, as differences in connectivity and digital skills shape who benefits and who is left behind
According to Popoola, rather than presenting AI adoption as a single success story, the report takes a balanced view, suggesting that Nigeria has genuine momentum, but that future outcomes would depend on infrastructure, affordability, digital literacy, trust and the quality of public and private sector responses.
The report also commended the Nigerian government’s proactive stance, citing the adoption of a National AI Strategy as a clear indicator of its commitment to fostering a robust and responsible AI ecosystem. This strategic framework is vital for guiding future development, investment, and policy decisions.
