Google, FG Launch AI Skills Training for Nigerian Public Servants

ABUJA — Google.org, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has launched the Apolitical Government Artificial Intelligence (AI) Campus, a new initiative to equip Nigerian public servants with advanced AI skills and resources to drive innovation in governance.

Announcing the initiative on Thursday in Abuja, Google said the programme — a collaboration with global public sector learning platform Apolitical — would provide practical AI training, expert-led events, and access to global best practices for civil servants.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the project aligns with Nigeria’s vision to embed AI across all sectors of government operations.

“We have been putting resources into ensuring that we can support our civil servants so that AI becomes something native to them — to shorten the time we spend on administrative processes and deliver better to our people,” Tijani said.
“This is why we are extremely excited about this opportunity and the support from Google.”

Olumide Balogun, Google’s West Africa Director, said the partnership reflects Google’s commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation by investing in the people who shape public policy and service delivery.

“We are not only providing technical resources but sharing knowledge that empowers public servants to deliver better, more efficient government services,” he stated.
“Through AI, Nigerian communities can benefit from smarter solutions, improved social outcomes, and greater inclusion.”

Chris Ferguson, Vice President at Apolitical, described the initiative as a landmark effort to strengthen Nigeria’s digital governance capacity.

“This pioneering programme will equip Nigerian public servants with the capabilities to lead digital transformation with confidence and foresight,” Ferguson said.
“It forms part of our broader commitment to support AI adoption, expand internet access, and promote local innovation hubs.”

Google’s Communications and Public Relations Manager for West Africa, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, said AI is fast becoming a major driver of Nigeria’s digital economy but noted that most government leaders still lack comprehensive AI adoption strategies.

He cited Apolitical’s research, which found that while 72% of government leaders globally are running AI pilot projects, more than half lack a clear roadmap.

“Every dollar invested in AI has the potential to add more than eight dollars to the economy. To seize this opportunity, Nigeria needs an AI-skilled public service capable of accelerating innovation and improving citizen-centered services,” Kola-Ogunlade said.

Through the AI Campus, participating public servants will gain access to specialized training modules on AI fundamentals, ethical implementation, and leadership, as well as a global AI-in-Government community to exchange insights and best practices.

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