Meta, FG Launch AI GovGuide as Digital Economy Report Highlights Nigeria’s Tech Growth
Nigeria’s drive toward a digitally-enabled economy received a major boost in Abuja as Meta unveiled a new report quantifying the economic impact of its platforms while also launching GovGuide, an AI-powered government services chatbot designed to improve citizens’ access to public services.
The initiatives were announced at the Nigeria Digital Economy Forum hosted by Meta, where government officials and technology stakeholders highlighted the growing role of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and innovation in national development.
At the event, Meta launched the “Meta & SSA: Accelerating Digital Transformation” Report, an independent study conducted by research firm Public First. The report examined the economic contributions of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), job creation, and the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
Delivering the keynote address, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani said the findings underscored the growing importance of digital platforms as drivers of economic development.
“The report launched today demonstrates that digital platforms are no longer merely communication tools; they are increasingly becoming parts of the economic infrastructure of modern society,” he said.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s digital economy has moved beyond being an emerging sector and is now a significant contributor to economic activities across the country.
“As we move deeper into the age of artificial intelligence, the conversation is even evolving from connection alone to productivity, competitiveness and opportunity,” Tijani stated.
He noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to investing in connectivity, digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and digital skills as part of efforts to achieve long-term digital transformation.
A major highlight of the forum was the launch of GovGuide, Nigeria’s Government Services Chatbot, developed through a partnership involving the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and Meta.
GovGuide is a multilingual and multimodal AI-powered assistant designed to simplify access to government information and services for Nigerians. The platform allows citizens to engage government services in English, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo through text, voice, and WhatsApp interactions.
The initiative aligns with the mandate of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to drive the adoption of emerging technologies in governance and public service delivery.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, commended Meta for publishing the report, describing it as a valuable tool for shaping government policies and regulations.
“I strongly believe that the report will give us more insight as a government to come up with policies, regulations and guidelines that will help deepen the use of technology in Nigeria,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that the report’s focus on infrastructure, platforms, and open-source AI aligns with NITDA’s strategic roadmap and action plan, the ministry’s blueprint, and President Tinubu’s economic agenda.
He added that technology would play a critical role in achieving the administration’s goals of economic diversification, inclusivity, and the ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Also speaking at the forum, Kojo Boakye, Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, The Middle East and Turkiye praised Nigeria’s innovation-driven policy environment.
“Despite all you may read or hear in the media, the conversation here in Nigeria is extremely positive. This is an innovation-focused government that is keen to providing opportunities to her citizens,” Boakye said.
Meta also introduced the AI SMB Skilling Programme aimed at equipping Nigerian small businesses with artificial intelligence tools and training to enhance productivity and competitiveness in the digital marketplace.
Stakeholders at the forum described the initiatives as significant milestones in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, particularly in expanding digital inclusion, improving access to government services, and empowering businesses through AI-driven innovation.
