Nigeria is anchoring its artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions and its vision to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030 on the strength of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, a flagship initiative training Nigerians in critical digital skills.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the programme has already recorded measurable success, with over 117,000 Nigerians trained in AI, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and other digital skills. Many graduates are being deployed to digitise government operations, build datasets for AI systems, and take up roles in both public and private technology sectors.
Tijani explained that 3MTT is a deliberate effort to expand Nigeria’s technical workforce, forming the foundation for a strong AI ecosystem. The initiative aligns with the national roadmap endorsed by the National Economic Council, where AI is identified as a key driver of productivity and growth across healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion.
“With support from global partners, including Google, the Gates Foundation, and Luminate, we are providing mentorship, resources, and funding for homegrown innovators,” Tijani said.
To sustain momentum, the government recently launched the AI Collective, a community of researchers and practitioners, as well as the AI Trust, a body tasked with guiding long-term investments and governance in the sector
Despite infrastructure challenges, Nigeria is prioritising its human capital. The 3MTT programme is central to this strategy, ensuring that trained talent can actively contribute to digital transformation and the responsible development of AI in the country.
