AI Boosts Economy, Creates Employment Opportunities – Expert

According to software engineer Mr. Christopher Ugbebor, artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful instrument to boost economic growth and job creation rather than a source of unemployment.

In a statement made in Abuja on Monday, Ugbebor urged the government at all levels to harness AI in its youth employment initiatives.

He emphasised the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and inclusive policies.

Ugbebor highlighted the potential collaboration among government initiatives such as the National Digital Economy Policy, the private sector, and international partners to create an ecosystem where AI drives job growth.

“By focusing on localised AI solutions and equitable access, Nigeria can harness AI to transform its unemployment challenges into opportunities for sustainable development,” he stated.

Ugbebor noted that AI holds significant potential to address unemployment in Nigeria by transforming industries, enhancing skills, and fostering innovation.

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He pointed out that AI could spur growth in tech-driven sectors, creating demand for roles like data scientists, AI engineers, and cybersecurity experts.

He mentioned that initiatives such as Lagos’s “Yabacon Valley” could expand, fostering startups that leverage AI for local solutions in areas like Fintech and Healthtech.

Ugbebor also discussed how AI could automate routine tasks in various industries, allowing human workers to focus on more complex, creative, and strategic jobs, thus potentially creating new job roles requiring higher-level skills.

He acknowledged that while automation might replace low-skill roles, re-skilling programs could empower artisans to adapt.

“AI cannot totally replace AI-aware humans, but those who are unable to upskill themselves with current AI skills that are readily available on the internet,” he said.

Ugbebor highlighted several examples, including AI tools for precision farming like soil analysis and weather prediction apps such as Farm Crowdy, which can boost agricultural productivity and create jobs in tech support, logistics, and agro-processing.

He also emphasised the importance of integrating AI skills development into educational curriculums to prepare students for the future workforce.

He pointed out platforms like Coursera that offer affordable training in digital skills, capable of bridging the education gap, and mentioned partnerships with organisations like Andela or Google Africa Developer Scholarships that reskill youth for AI-related roles.

Ugbebor cited AI diagnostics as a digital health solution that connects patients with healthcare professionals using AI-powered technology, significantly reducing clinician workload and creating roles for AI maintenance staff.

“AI-driven automation in supply chains has significantly lowered costs, enabling SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) to scale up and hire more workers for higher-value tasks,” he said.

He also mentioned how AI-driven platforms have connected many Nigerian freelancers to global opportunities in writing, design, or software development, creating job opportunities and guaranteed income, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This, he noted, has opened remote job opportunities for Nigerians earning in foreign currencies.

Ugbebor concluded by saying that AI analytics could help entrepreneurs optimise operations, reduce costs, and foster business growth.

He highlighted AI tools’ role in improving public sector efficiencies, including Smart Governance, which could streamline public services like automated tax systems, reduce bureaucracy, and create tech jobs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAN