The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) has partnered with Google to train Nigerian public servants on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications as part of a global initiative to enhance digital governance.
The partnership, launched on Tuesday in Abuja, forms part of Google’s plan to train one million government workers worldwide through the Apolitical Government AI Campus, a global platform for AI excellence in governance.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Olumide Balogun, Google’s West Africa Director—represented by the company’s Communications Manager, Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade—said the collaboration aligns with Google’s mission to expand digital literacy and promote AI adoption in Nigeria’s public sector.
He said the training would expose public servants to courses on AI fundamentals, leadership in AI, and practical applications to improve efficiency and service delivery.
“Championing Nigeria’s digital transformation means investing in the people who shape its future. By equipping public sector leaders and practitioners with the right knowledge, we are empowering them to deliver better, more efficient services to citizens,” Kola-Ogunlade said.
Participants will also benefit from expert-led sessions, access to digital tools and frameworks, and a network of global peers sharing insights on AI-driven governance.
In his remarks, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the partnership underscores the government’s commitment to harnessing emerging technologies for national development.
“We see Artificial Intelligence as a key driver of productivity across major sectors. This collaboration will help civil servants adopt AI tools to accelerate processes and improve service delivery to Nigerians,” the minister said.
He added that the initiative supports Nigeria’s digital economy agenda, which aims to integrate innovation and data-driven solutions into governance.
Also speaking, Mr. Adewolu Adene, Google’s Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for West Africa, said the program would be implemented in three phases, targeting policymakers, middle-level executives, and general civil servants.
Adene said the project would ensure comprehensive AI adoption in the Nigerian public sector and is part of Google’s broader investment in Africa.
“This initiative builds on Google’s $1.6 billion investment commitment in Africa over five years, which includes the Equiano subsea cable, cloud infrastructure, and support for startups and small businesses,” he added.
He noted that Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Brazil are among the focus countries for the global program, with room for as many willing Nigerian participants as possible.
The training is expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity for AI-enabled governance, improve decision-making, and promote digital transformation across ministries, departments, and agencies.
