Are you leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to supercharge your productivity? Nigerian workers are already ahead of the curve, with an astounding 93% adopting AI for work-related tasks—surpassing the global average of 74%.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral tool reshaping workplaces worldwide. It is no longer just a futuristic concept but a transformative force that is redefining how professionals work and solve problems. A recent survey conducted by Ipsos in collaboration with Google highlights Nigeria as a global leader in AI adoption. The findings reveal a remarkable trend—93% of Nigerian workers now use AI to boost productivity, far exceeding the global average of 74%. This level of adoption signifies the growing influence of AI on work processes and the progressive attitude of Nigerian professionals toward leveraging advanced technology to solve everyday challenges.
According to the survey, aptly titled “Our Life with AI: From Innovation to Application,” global AI usage has reached an impressive 48%, and public sentiment around AI is shifting positively. Excitement about AI’s potential now outweighs concerns, with 57% of respondents expressing optimism compared to 43% who remain cautious. This marks a significant shift from the 50/50 split in public opinion reported just a year ago. In Nigeria, this optimism is even more pronounced, as professionals are actively integrating AI into their daily routines to streamline tasks and achieve better results.
The report provides an insightful breakdown of how AI is being utilized in the workplace. It reveals that 91% of Nigerian AI users employ generative AI tools for writing, 91% for brainstorming new ideas, 92% for solving complex problems, 81% for analyzing long-form documents, and 85% for understanding intricate information. The tools are enabling professionals to work faster, smarter, and more efficiently. Tasks such as drafting emails, creating detailed reports, and brainstorming innovative solutions are no longer labor-intensive, thanks to the capabilities of AI.
Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs at Google and Alphabet, describes AI as “magic at scale,” underscoring its ability to simplify tasks and enhance efficiency in ways previously unimaginable. His sentiment is echoed by several industry leaders and professionals who are witnessing the transformative power of AI firsthand. For instance, Lanre Basamta, co-founder and CEO of Optimus AI Labs, dismisses fears that AI will lead to job losses. Instead, he asserts, “AI will not take away jobs. Those equipped with AI skills will take them.” This perspective emphasizes the importance of acquiring AI-related skills to remain competitive in the evolving job market.
The widespread adoption of AI in Nigeria can be traced back to the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, which brought generative AI into the mainstream. Since then, professionals across various industries have embraced AI to enhance productivity and streamline work processes. Financial analyst Oladayo Adenubi is one such professional, leveraging AI for ideation, analysis, and even routine tasks like working with Excel. “AI helps me write and analyze faster. It has eliminated the need for frequent Google searches and has made my work much more efficient,” he explained. Similarly, Ola Williams, Microsoft Nigeria’s Country Manager, notes that AI is now an integral part of how people work and interact, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency across industries.
The economic impact of AI adoption in Nigeria cannot be overstated. According to Google, increased AI adoption is expected to contribute an additional $15 billion to Nigeria’s GDP. This figure underscores the potential of AI to transform not only workplaces but also the broader economy. Public interest in AI is also on the rise, as evidenced by a 30% increase in Google searches for “What is AI?” and a 40% increase in searches for “How to use AI” in Nigeria in 2024.
Nigerians are overwhelmingly optimistic about the potential of AI to drive economic growth and transform industries. The Ipsos and Google report reveals that 85% of Nigerians believe AI will positively impact jobs and industries over the next five years. Furthermore, 81% of respondents expressed confidence that AI will bring positive changes to the economy. This optimism aligns with the Nigerian government’s proactive approach to AI adoption, exemplified by the development of a draft National AI Strategy (NAIS) to guide implementation and ensure the country remains at the forefront of this technological revolution.
Despite this optimism, concerns about the impact of AI on jobs persist on a global scale. Reports from organizations such as Goldman Sachs and Bloomberg Intelligence highlight the potential for AI to disrupt traditional employment models. Goldman Sachs predicts that up to 300 million full-time jobs could be replaced by AI-powered applications, while Bloomberg Intelligence estimates that global banks could cut as many as 200,000 jobs within the next three to five years. The World Economic Forum has also weighed in, projecting that advancements in AI could displace 92 million jobs—representing 8% of the global workforce—by 2030. However, the same report notes that AI is expected to create 170 million new jobs, resulting in a net increase of 78 million roles, or 7% global job growth.
The report emphasizes the critical need for skill development, retraining, and strategic policymaking to ensure workers are prepared for the future of work. Without adequate support, millions could face job displacement as AI continues to reshape industries. To navigate this transition successfully, governments, organizations, and individuals must prioritize education and training programs that equip workers with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
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