Ever since the COVID-19 Pandemic swept the world, numerous nations have taken the last five years to rebuild their social infrastructure, regional economies, and technological advancements. While many countries in Western Europe – Switzerland and Britain – are famous for their head starts on many STEM-based projects, Africa’s Nigeria has been recognized for its recent technological reforms. These changes, with the help of AI and other STEM-based notions, are sure to facilitate Nigeria in its full recovery from COVID-19. and help it advance as a global power.
As of 2025, Nigeria has recommitted to improving digital services for its citizens. Biometric Update states that the country’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy is Bosun Tijani. Last month, Tijani reiterated the statement that the government has a “robust” plan to speed up Nigeria’s digital revolution. Nigeria is looking into investing approximately $ 2 billion in digital public infrastructure. Tijani is hoping to enroll 180 million people in a digital ID project. He believes that this project’s success will extend past the delivery of digital services, and will have long-term success concerning the rebuilding of Nigeria’s economic and digital-economic growth. He believes that interconnectedness within the country is incredibly important, and is striving to find a way to give Nigerians access to high-quality digital services, while simultaneously safeguarding their digital identity.
As stated by ID TechWire, Nigeria is preparing for its first biometric national census in almost two decades, meaning that they will use contact with fingerprints, eye scanners, and face ID in their technology. This is a monumental advancement, as the government’s focus on modernizing its national data infrastructure is evident. The investment is sure to boost Nigeria’s AI sector, which could result in the addition of $15 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2030. Multiple programs are supporting the initiative, such as Microsoft, Meta, and Nvidia.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinumu has been collaborating with Google to advance Nigeria’s technological efforts further. Quoted by the Statehouse, Abuja, Google’s team has engaged in discussions with President Tinubu, where they have attempted to forge a partnership that will enhance Nigeria’s journey in the direction of digital and AI transformation. Following the theme of Nigeria’s new role in the world of STEM, President Tinubu has emphasized that the partnership has aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which centers on economic diversification through industrialization, innovation, and technology.
While Nigeria’s biggest advancements in technology have been recent, the country has been striving for digital success for over six years. According to the International Trade Administration, the Nigerian government launched the National Digital Economy Policy (2020-2030) (NDEPS), aimed at positioning the nation’s economy toward opportunities found in digital concepts. The policy has not only been vouching for taking a turn towards technology, it has been implemented to diversify the economy away from its dependence on oil and gas.
The future looks very bright for Nigeria. As the country tries its hand at the world’s largest innovations, it is sure to be successful in securing a spot as one of the world’s most advanced nations.
Written by Alexandra Kwitkowski
