Accelerating AI adoption: Highlights from 12th National Council on Communications, Digital Economy meeting in Benue

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) convened its 12th regular meeting of the National Council on Communications and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) at the NNAM Hall Complex and Hotel in Makurdi, Benue State.

This year’s theme, “Accelerating the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Through Policy & Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” drew stakeholders from across the nation.

The event, which is a 5-day meeting commenced with an opening address by Barr. Dr. Sam Ode (MNI), Deputy Governor of Benue State, who welcomed participants and commended the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for facilitating the council’s hosting in Benue. Dr. Ode emphasized the critical role of digital economy adoption, stating, “Any society, community, or nation that is not ready to embrace the digital economy will be left behind.”

Dr. Bosun Tijani, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo (FNSE), delivered the keynote address, focusing on identifying policy gaps, fostering innovative AI applications, and promoting human capital development. The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, also expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for supporting strategies that drive national growth.

The conference witnessed robust participation, including key officials from various states. The agency’s delegates, led by the Director-General, Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency, Haruna Sani Sani, included the Head of the Digital Economy and Corporate Strategy Department, Mr. Benjamin Usman Lawal, and Administrative Secretary, Aisha Rilwan Sidi, Information officer, Adama Mohammed Akhan and other attendees including technical experts and policymakers.

Other representatives from Nasarawa State include delegates from Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

The meeting featured technical sessions, where participants deliberated on previously approved but unimplemented memos. Nasarawa State presented five memos from its Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT), NASITDEA, and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. These memos were reviewed under Syndicate Group A and B, focusing on Policy, led by Mr. Andrew Adeniyi Dada and Dr. Mohammed Kumo, respectively. All memos from Nasarawa were approved for the next stage.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominated discussions, with participants debating frameworks for AI adoption in Nigeria. Concerns included the absence of an independent internet infrastructure and the need for comprehensive frameworks to drive AI integration. One participant remarked, “AI is now becoming as essential as digital literacy.”

The conference concluded with peer review presentations on key areas such as infrastructure development, e-governance, and human capital development. These sessions fostered competition and learning among states. Participants also toured Bokko, showcasing Benue’s rich culture and innovation efforts.
Nasarawa State emerged as the second runner-up in the E-Government implementation, reflecting its commitment to advancing technological growth.

As the event concluded, Dr. Bosun Tijani urged attendees to sustain robust discussions on AI and policy innovation, ensuring Nigeria remains competitive in the global digital economy.