A recent survey conducted by Ipsos for Google has revealed that 70% of Nigeria’s online population has engaged with generative AI over the past year. This figure places Nigeria significantly above the global average of 48%, reflecting the nation’s rapid adoption and enthusiasm for AI technologies.
The study, titled “Our Life with AI: From Innovation to Application,” included responses from 21,000 individuals across 21 countries. In Nigeria, 1,000 adults aged 18 and older were surveyed online, with a credibility margin of ±3.8 percentage points. The findings suggest that Nigerians not only experiment with generative AI but actively use it to enhance work productivity, personal projects, education, and entertainment.
Nigerians Embrace AI’s Potential
An overwhelming 87% of Nigerian respondents expressed excitement about the transformative potential of AI, emphasizing its benefits over potential risks. Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs at Google & Alphabet, commented, “AI is delivering unprecedented innovations, simplifying lives, and fostering optimism about future breakthroughs in personal, professional, and scientific domains.”
Key Insights from the Survey:
- Broad Adoption: 70% of Nigerians online have utilized generative AI, significantly outpacing the global usage average of 48%.
- Positive Outlook: 87% of Nigerian participants believe the benefits of AI outweigh its risks, showcasing a widespread optimism about the technology’s impact.
- Economic and Job Market Impacts:
- 85% foresee AI driving beneficial changes in jobs and industries over the next five years.
- 81% anticipate a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy, far surpassing the global average of 49%.
- Only 9% of respondents think AI could push them to switch roles or industries, a figure notably lower than the global 16% average.
- Sectoral Impact: AI is expected to significantly advance science (93%), education (90%), agriculture (87%), and medicine (86%), positioning it as a key driver of progress.
Balancing Optimism and Regulation
Despite the excitement, Nigerians recognize the importance of regulations that foster innovation while addressing potential risks. This aligns with the global call for responsible AI development to maximize benefits in sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Looking Ahead
As AI technologies continue to evolve, the Nigerian online community remains one of the most enthusiastic and optimistic globally. With the expectation of substantial economic, scientific, and societal advancements, the country is well-positioned to harness AI’s transformative potential in the coming years.
Nigerians’ belief in AI’s ability to revolutionize industries and improve lives highlights their readiness to embrace a tech-driven future.
