The Federal Government said yesterday it would ensure Nigeria has a voice in the development and regulations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on global stage.

The government said it became imperative for Nigeria to be an active participant, considering that there would soon be global convergence on the ways AI were developed and deployed by global powers.

The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, stated this at the opening ceremony of a workshop on National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in Abuja.

The theme of a four-day workshop titled “Developing the High Level Strategy and Implementation Plan for a National AI Strategy for Nigeria’’.

Tijani said digital technology was a reality in Asia, America, and the Europe, adding that the reality should be the same in Nigeria and Africa, as Nigeria could not afford to be left behind.

He said: “The US, UK and Asia have inputs on how AI is developed and regulated. Right now, there are lots of silos regarding the ways and manners AI are developed and applied.

“In a short while, there will be a convergence on AI systems, so Nigeria should be part of that global super power in the development and regulations of AI.

“AI is going to change the narratives in all areas of human endeavours and we are here to develop a strategic roadmap that will enhance our knowledge, skills, participation, development, and deployment.

“Any technology that has potential of a watchdog on how we think and what we do, our goals should not be restricted to what we get as a nation but what it will mean to humanity as a whole.”