The federal government has set out to build an Artificial Intelligence (AI) research hub in the country as part of a measure to foster global connectivity of Nigerians across the globe.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, said the AI Research Center would redefine the country’s science and technology landscape.
He stated this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the partnering company, DAIMLAS Corp, on Thursday.
Nnaji explained that the AI platform would aggregate and verify resources and facilitate state-level alignment with national Science Technology and Innovation (STI) goals.
“Today (Thursday), we clinched another transformative milestone in our nation’s journey towards leveraging innovation and technology for economic growth and sustainable development with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DAIMLAS Corp, a renowned U.S.-based technology firm, we have taken a leap to develop a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Powered Platform that will redefine the science, technology, and innovation (STI) landscape in Nigeria.
“Through this collaboration, DAIMLAS Corp will develop an AI-powered platform that serves as a central hub for STI resources and stakeholders, supporting Nigeria’s 2017–2030 STI Roadmap. The platform will aggregate and verify resources, facilitate state-level alignment with national STI goals, and foster global collaboration by connecting Nigerians in the diaspora with local stakeholders. Set to launch soon, outreach efforts will ensure nationwide stakeholder engagement,” he said.
He noted that the project would be financed by DAIMLAS Corp. He emphasized that securing such a project without financial burdens on the government was a testament to the forward-thinking funding model of the government.
Nnaji also disclosed that the ministry signed an MoU with DAIMLAS to establish the National Center for Technology Management (NACETEM) AI-powered center.
“This initiative highlights the transformative power of public-private collaboration, demonstrating how innovative partnerships can deliver impactful and sustainable solutions. The DAIMLAS platform, provided at no cost to the Ministry through sponsorships, grants, and private investments, exemplifies a forward-thinking funding model that achieves national goals without financial strain on government resources.
“Another significant milestone was the signing of an MoU to establish the NACETEM AI Centre of Excellence in partnership with DAIMLAS Corp. The Centre will serve as a hub for AI research, collaboration, and application, addressing national challenges and uniting stakeholders to accelerate innovation and create tailored solutions.
“Both the DAIMLAS platform and the NACETEM AI Centre are set to launch soon, with nationwide outreach and operations aimed at driving transformative impact across sectors,” he stated.
The Minister assured of the government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s STI landscape.
“These partnerships signify more than agreements—they reflect a dedication to harnessing cutting-edge technologies, leveraging AI to empower states, attract global investments, and position Nigeria as a leader in innovation across Africa.
“Together, the DAIMLAS platform and the NACETEM AI Centre of Excellence will serve as gateways to a future where innovation drives Nigeria’s prosperity, transforming our STI sector into a globally competitive ecosystem,” Nnaji added.