Nigeria has emerged as a global frontrunner in the adoption of artificial intelligence, with widespread use across learning, professional work, and entrepreneurship, according to a new report by Google.
The study, conducted in collaboration with Ipsos and titled Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the Hands of More People, highlights the rapid pace at which Nigerians are embracing AI tools and the strong optimism surrounding their impact on the country’s social and economic future.
The findings were published on Tuesday.
AI Usage in Nigeria Far Exceeds Global Benchmarks
The report found that 88% of Nigerian adults have interacted with an AI chatbot, marking an 18-percentage-point rise from 2024.
This figure is well above the global average of 62%, reinforcing Nigeria’s position at the forefront of AI usage worldwide and reflecting its fast-growing digital economy.
Researchers noted that AI is increasingly viewed in Nigeria as a catalyst for innovation, independent income generation, and upward economic mobility, particularly among younger demographics.
AI Plays Growing Role in Learning and Knowledge Access
Artificial intelligence has become a central tool for learning in Nigeria. According to the report, 93% of Nigerian AI users rely on the technology to grasp complex subjects, compared with a global average of 74%.
This trend points to AI’s expanding role in widening access to information, enabling self-paced education, and helping users overcome traditional learning barriers.
Confidence in AI’s educational impact remains strong, with 91% of Nigerians saying AI improves learning and access to information, significantly higher than the 65% global figure.
The optimism extends to higher education, as 95% of respondents believe students and educators at universities stand to benefit from AI-powered tools.
AI Becomes Embedded in Nigeria’s Work Culture
The report also shows that AI adoption is accelerating across Nigeria’s professional landscape. About 91% of Nigerians said they use AI tools to support their work, signalling deepening integration of the technology across corporate, entrepreneurial, and freelance environments.
AI is increasingly being used to boost productivity, simplify routine tasks, and assist with problem-solving and decision-making across multiple sectors.
Technology Drives Entrepreneurship and Career Shifts
AI usage in Nigeria is strongly linked to entrepreneurship and career exploration. The study found that 80% of Nigerians use AI tools to generate business ideas or explore new career paths.
This is almost double the global average of 42%, highlighting how Nigerians are leveraging AI as a tool for innovation, self-employment, and economic advancement.
Google: Nigerians Are Actively Shaping Their AI Future
Reacting to the findings, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa at Google, said the report reflects Nigeria’s creative and purposeful use of AI.
“It’s inspiring to see how Nigerians are creatively and purposefully using AI to unlock new opportunities for learning, growth, and economic empowerment,” he said.
He added that the data tells a broader story about national ambition and technological confidence:
“This report doesn’t just highlight high adoption levels; it shows a country actively shaping its future with technology, using AI to accelerate progress and achieve its goals.”
Strong Confidence in AI’s Long-Term Impact
Overall attitudes towards artificial intelligence in Nigeria remain overwhelmingly positive. The report found that 80% of Nigerians are excited about AI’s potential, while only 20% expressed concern.
Among frequent AI users, enthusiasm climbs even higher, reaching 90%, underscoring strong confidence in the technology’s long-term role in national development.
The findings position Nigeria as a standout example of how emerging economies can rapidly adopt and adapt AI to drive learning, productivity, and economic growth.
