Nigeria has taken a major step forward in its artificial intelligence (AI) agenda with the appointment of Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings, to the National AI Trust, a key initiative by the Federal Government to accelerate AI innovation and adoption across the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who confirmed that Aig-Imoukhuede has formally joined the strategic body.
“Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede has graciously accepted to join our National AI Trust, bringing his wealth of experience and visionary leadership to this next phase of Nigeria’s AI journey,” Dr. Tijani said.
What is Nigeria’s National AI Trust?
Approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in February 2025, the National AI Trust is composed of:
- 10 leading AI experts
- Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
- Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology
Mandates of the AI Trust include:
- Mobilizing financial and technical resources
- Overseeing national AI development
- Aligning AI initiatives with Nigeria’s long-term economic and innovation goals
- Driving job creation, attracting foreign direct investment, and positioning Nigeria as a global AI leader
Why Aig-Imoukhuede’s Appointment Matters
Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede brings a decades-long track record of leadership in banking, finance, and digital transformation. Through his Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, he has spearheaded government reform projects like the Nigeria Web Design Standards (NWDS) to modernise digital public service delivery.
His involvement in the AI Trust signals stronger private-public sector collaboration and promises enhanced strategic direction as Nigeria builds a thriving AI ecosystem.
AI Scaling Hub Initiative Backed by Gates Foundation
This announcement coincides with the signing of a landmark agreement between the Government of Nigeria and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub.
Key Highlights:
- $7.5 million in funding and technical expertise from the Gates Foundation
- Partnering with Lagos Business School and other stakeholders
- Focused on developing, scaling, and implementing high-impact AI solutions
- Designed to improve services in healthcare, agriculture, education, governance, and more
“AI is transforming how we address development challenges… We’re proud to support the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub by investing in local talent and innovation,” said Uche Amaonwu, Country Director for the Gates Foundation in Nigeria.
Collaborative Innovation: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach
The Nigeria AI Scaling Hub is a multi-stakeholder platform involving:
- Government ministries and agencies
- Private tech companies
- Academia and research institutions
- International development partners
It will coordinate the scaling of mature AI innovations, fostering widespread adoption across the public and private sectors.
Nigeria’s AI Vision Gathers Momentum in 2025
Nigeria’s dual initiatives, the National AI Trust and the AI Scaling Hub, underscore a broader commitment to becoming a continental AI leader. With top-tier experts like Aig-Imoukhuede joining the mission, and global partners like the Gates Foundation on board, Nigeria is poised to unlock AI’s potential for economic growth, digital inclusion, and sustainable development
