By Auwal Sani
It’s no longer a secret that artificial intelligence is reshaping the world. The wave of this technology is no longer coming; it is here. Yet, one must ask this critical and lingering question: Do Nigerian leaders truly grasp the full implications of artificial intelligence?
I raised this question because in Nigeria, those in power often seem disconnected from the realities of the world, including technological advancement—a dangerous gap in an era defined by innovation.
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While nations are gearing their belts towards policies that will enhance AI usage in critical areas of human endeavors like health, education, security, communication, and data gathering, including ethical policy conversations around it—Nigeria is stuck between denials and lack of purposeful leadership.
The hard truth is this: a nation can not outpace the vision—or limitations—of its ruling elite. If we continue electing leaders based on anything other than competence and capability, we will keep lagging behind in development while the rest of the world moves forward.
Now, I’m not saying our leaders must be tech-savvy experts—far from it. Leadership isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about recognizing talent and delegating wisely.
A true leader doesn’t need to be an all-around specialist; however, when they lack expertise in critical fields like AI, they must have the discernment to identify and appoint the needed experts into relevant positions of authority.
I believe the solution to this is simple: just empower the people with the relevant skills and capacity.
This brings us to Nigeria’s greatest untapped resource: the youth. We have a generation brimming with potential, brilliant minds across our universities and tech hubs, ready to drive change through innovation, research, and sheer determination.
Nonetheless, what is missing is the Nigerian leadership willing to harness this potential—to place these bright minds at the forefront of national development.
Nigeria’s AI future won’t be built by accident. It requires intentional leadership, and the way forward is clear: we must elect leaders who prioritize competence, delegate wisely, and unlock the potential of our people.
Only then can we stop falling behind and start leading.
But the question is, how prepared are Nigerians for this competent and thoughtful leadership style that will harness the full potential of the country in artificial intelligence and other sectors?
Are we ready to continue to elect leaders based on their party acronyms, manifestos, tribe and region, or is it time to consider competence?
It is our answers that will justify what we yearn for as a nation.
Auwal Sani is a PR and communication specialist with ARYAH Media Concept and a Lecturer at Department of Development and Strategic Communication, University of Abuja.
