Federal Government Presents Nigeria’s AI Trust Vision At Warwick Business School In London

The Federal Government has unveiled plans for a pioneering National Artificial Intelligence Trust as part of efforts to position Nigeria as a major player in the global artificial intelligence race.

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, presented the vision over the weekend at the Warwick Business School (WBS), London, during a two-day National AI Trust Convening hosted by the institution. The event is one of three high-level engagements being held by the ministry to shape Nigeria’s AI governance framework.

Dr. Tijani, a Warwick Business School alumnus and a 2025 TIME 100 Most Influential People in AI honouree, led discussions involving senior Nigerian government officials, global AI experts, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives. The dialogue focused on designing a governance structure for the proposed AI Trust, which is expected to guide Nigeria’s next phase of AI adoption, investment, and responsible innovation.

Describing the initiative as unprecedented, the Minister said Nigeria aims to become a global benchmark in AI governance, stressing that artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the backbone of modern economies and a defining factor in national competitiveness. He noted that the government’s responsibility is to provide the infrastructure and regulatory environment needed for businesses and innovators to fully harness the technology.

Dr. Tijani further linked the AI initiative to broader national digital infrastructure plans, including the government’s ongoing efforts to raise $2 billion for Project BRIDGE, which targets the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic networks across the country. He explained that the AI Trust would complement these infrastructure investments by ensuring strong governance and oversight.

He also emphasized the importance of global representation in AI development, arguing that Africa must actively participate in shaping emerging technologies rather than remain a passive consumer. According to him, the proposed Trust would help ensure that African contexts and perspectives are reflected in global AI systems.

In his remarks, Professor Andy Lockett, Dean of Warwick Business School, highlighted the importance of AI governance globally, noting that the institution remains committed to influencing policy and fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry. He added that WBS is pleased to support initiatives such as Nigeria’s AI Trust, describing them as critical to shaping the future of responsible innovation.

The convening was organised in partnership with Co-creation Hub (CcHUB) and the MacArthur Foundation, bringing together thought leaders to advance conversations on AI policy, ethics, and economic transformation.