President Tinubu, Google CEO Discuss AI, Tech Partnership

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explored potential partnerships with the Chief Executive of Google, Sundar Pichai, on positioning Nigeria as a global technology hub.

President Tinubu, via his verified X handle (@officialABAT), announced that during a meeting on Wednesday in Paris, France, he held pivotal discussions with Google CEO Sundar Pichai on enhancing Nigeria’s role in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation.

The Nigerian leader described the engagement with the Google CEO as a key step towards leveraging AI and digital technology for national development.

“We are exploring partnership opportunities with Google, which will focus on five key areas: enhancing scalable cloud infrastructure, equipping our workforce with essential skills for the future, promoting AI innovation and research, driving cloud adoption, and elevating Nigeria’s standing in the global tech landscape as a hub for innovation and AI transition,” Tinubu said.

I enjoyed engaging in crucial discussions about advancing Nigeria’s role in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital innovation with you in Paris, Sundar @sundarpichai.

We are also exploring partnership opportunities with Google, which will focus on five key areas: enhancing… https://t.co/Ighk2QeR0Y pic.twitter.com/p6GseMMgwC

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) February 12, 2025

Also Read: Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to AI Development for Youth

The President highlighted Nigeria’s emerging AI ecosystem, pointing to Awarri Technologies as a notable player in the sector.

He revealed that the government is collaborating with Awarri to develop critical AI software infrastructure tailored to Nigeria’s unique needs in arts, culture, and languages—areas often overlooked by existing AI models.

“This includes data capture platforms and a large language model (LLM) for Nigerian languages in partnership with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR),” Tinubu added.

He said the discussions with Google align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification through industrialization, digitization, and innovation.

The President emphasised that the initiative would empower businesses, create new opportunities, and establish Nigeria as a major force in the global digital economy.

He also revealed that the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy will provide strategic oversight for the partnership, while the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will lead its implementation.

“Nigeria is poised to take the lead in AI and technology—this is merely the start of an exciting journey!” Tinubu declared.

With the President’s push for AI-driven growth, Nigeria is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation, leveraging global partnerships to drive innovation and economic progress.