3 reasons why more AI conversations are needed in Nigeria

In Nigeria’s fast-moving corporate landscape, the buzz around Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shifted from a distant “future-tech” to a daily operational reality. As we approach the InnovateAI Conference in Lagos this February 20th, the largest and most influential gathering of its kind in Africa, the timing couldn’t be more critical for our business community.

With over 90% of Nigerian organisations already integrating AI in some form, we are no longer asking if we should use it, but how to do so without losing our human essence. As a co-convener of this summit, I see three distinct layers of conversation that are now mandatory for any leader navigating this transition.

1. Taming the “Shadow”

In the offices of Asokoro and the tech hubs of Yaba, AI adoption is happening “under the desk”. Recent data shows that the vast majority of Nigerian workers already rely on AI for daily tasks. However, much of this is Shadow AI, the use of unauthorised, unvetted tools to summarise sensitive bank documents or draft legal briefs.

We need industry-specific forums where leaders can move past “policing” and into “strategic alignment”. When we talk openly, we move from risky, stealthy use to robust, “approved AI” frameworks that protect our data sovereignty while boosting productivity.

2. Adapting AI for Nigeria

The InnovateAI Conference is built on the philosophy of adapting AI. For Nigeria, “Responsible AI” isn’t just a technical check-box; it’s about ensuring that as the local AI market expands—projected to hit ₦615 billion ($434M) by the end of 2026—the benefits aren’t concentrated in narrow silos.

Our internal dialogue must focus on how AI can augment our massive youth population rather than displace them. There are multiple opportunities to solve our peculiar issues.

3. Bridging the “Literacy Gap” through Mentoring

There is a widening disconnect between the “AI-native” Gen Z workforce and the veteran C-suite. In 2026, the most successful Nigerian companies will be those that embrace mentoring and deep-dive sessions.

Mentoring shouldn’t just flow downward. We need spaces where young, prompt engineers guide executives through the realities of AI hallucinations and risk-based governance. This dialogue ensures that Nigerian businesses don’t just “buy” AI as a plugin but build it into their DNA with the wisdom of experience and the agility of youth.

Bottom line

The regulatory landscape is shifting. With the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill expected to empower regulators by Q2 2026, companies that aren’t adapting their AI for Nigeria, for our realities, will find themselves struggling with compliance. From algorithmic transparency to data localisation, the rules of the game are changing.

We are at an inflection point. The explosion of generative AI has made “shadow AI” inevitable, but it has also made human conversation indispensable. Whether through peer forums, global conferences, or internal mentoring, our goal is the same: to orchestrate the ecosystem to adopt AI responsibly across Nigeria, without killing innovation.

The conversation is no longer optional; it is the strategy.

Dotun Adeoye is a technology entrepreneur, AI governance leader, and co-founder of AI in Nigeria. He has over 30 years of global experience across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa and advises organisations on AI transformation, governance, and digital growth.