By Peter.
The Nigerian Senate has begun debating a new bill to create the Artificial Intelligence, Innovation and Communication Technology Solutions Centre in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The proposed centre aims to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy and emerging technology-driven industries. 🇳🇬💻
The debate took place during Tuesday’s plenary session, presided over by Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau. The bill, introduced by Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu representing Ekiti South, was first presented on May 27.
Speaking in support of the bill’s general principles, Senator Adaramodu emphasised that artificial intelligence and technological innovation now influence every aspect of modern life, from governance and business to education, healthcare, and national security. He warned that countries which fail to make deliberate investments in these fields risk falling behind in the 21st-century knowledge economy.
The planned centre would function as a national hub for research, training, and partnership between government, private sector, and universities. Its core mission is to build advanced skills in AI, robotics, data science, and other cutting-edge technologies, particularly among young Nigerians. 🚀🤖
Adaramodu explained that Omuo-Ekiti was chosen because Ekiti State has long been recognised as a centre of learning and intellectual excellence in Nigeria. He believes the facility will drive innovation and economic growth across the South-West region and beyond.
Once operational, the centre is expected to:
- Develop locally designed digital solutions for challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services. 🌾🏥
- Prepare Nigerian youth to compete in the global AI and technology market. 👩💻👨🎓
- Reduce reliance on foreign technology by promoting homegrown innovation. 🔧🇳🇬
The senator stressed that the bill is not meant to add bureaucratic layers but to establish a genuine centre of excellence that can propel nationwide technological progress.
“Artificial intelligence represents the next frontier of human advancement. Every leading nation is building AI infrastructure and innovation hubs. Nigeria cannot afford to be left out,” he stated, urging colleagues to back the legislation as a vital move to secure the country’s future in the global technology race.
Despite the enthusiasm, Nigeria’s efforts to embrace AI have faced obstacles such as inadequate research funding, limited internet access in rural communities, and worries about overlapping roles with existing bodies like the National Information Technology Development Agency, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure.
Past parliamentary discussions have also highlighted concerns over long-term funding, staffing expertise, and the risk of new federal projects becoming underused or abandoned. Supporters, however, maintain that without a dedicated national facility focused on AI, Nigeria will remain dependent on imported solutions and miss opportunities to create jobs and build new industries through local innovation.
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