Nigeria has surged up the global ladder in artificial intelligence readiness, according to the newly released Oxford Government AI Readiness Index 2025. In just two years, the country has made one of the most impressive jumps among the world’s nations, reflecting a growing commitment to using AI as a tool for economic growth and public service reform.
The Oxford report places Nigeria 72nd out of 195 countries assessed, a remarkable climb from 103rd position in 2023. This rise of 31 places not only highlights progress on paper but also signals a bigger shift in how government, industry and innovators view the role of AI in the nation’s future.
The findings show Nigeria now sits in the 37th percentile globally. This is a signal that strategic planning and early implementation efforts are beginning to pay off. Government agencies, the private sector, academics and startups have each played a part in nudging the country forward on the world stage.
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How Nigeria’s AI Progress Was Measured
The Oxford AI Readiness Index is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive global assessments of a country’s preparedness to embed artificial intelligence into government and society. It uses 69 indicators across multiple areas such as policy capacity, governance frameworks, infrastructure quality, public sector adoption, talent development, innovation capacity and resilience.
One of Nigeria’s standout achievements was its strong showing in policy capacity. The country’s National AI Strategy has been fundamental in this regard. It was developed to guide ethical implementation, nurture technical talent, encourage innovation and embed AI into major sectors like agriculture, healthcare, financial services, education and public administration. Nigeria ranked 35th in this category globally, a clear indicator that policy development is no longer lagging.
Development and diffusion was another category where Nigeria performed well. Ranking 49th globally, this pillar reflects gains in technical education, early-stage research, startup activity and the adoption of AI technologies by both public and private organisations. More Nigerian tech firms are deploying AI-driven solutions, and research collaborations are rising, pointing to a maturing ecosystem.
Despite these strides, the report also notes that Nigeria still trails many peer economies and established tech hubs. Large investments in infrastructure such as high-speed internet, cloud computing capabilities and broader data access are still needed. Ethical regulation, research funding and wider public sector uptake also require expansion if Nigeria wants to break into the global top 50.
Regional Context and Nigeria’s Place in Africa
Within Sub‑Saharan Africa, Nigeria ranks fourth, behind Kenya, South Africa and Mauritius in the AI readiness table. Together, these nations represent an emerging cadre of African economies dedicated to leveraging AI for development. In total, ten African countries landed in the global top 100, showing that the continent is gradually strengthening its technological foundations.
This continental performance is uneven, however. While some countries benefit from stronger public sector integration and investment incentives, others struggle with basic connectivity issues and slow policy implementation. Nonetheless, Nigeria’s progress places it firmly in conversations about Africa’s future as a digital innovation hub.
Part of this regional momentum includes recent initiatives such as the launch of the National AI Centre of Excellence at the University of Jos. The centre aims to boost research, attract tech talent, and house collaborative projects that address local and continental problems using artificial intelligence. Government representatives have stressed that these efforts are designed to shift Nigeria from AI readiness toward tangible economic outcomes.
Challenges Ahead and What It Means for Nigeria
Despite the positive news, the Oxford report made it clear that readiness does not automatically translate into full implementation. Nigeria’s AI ecosystem still faces serious challenges. Public sector adoption of AI tools remains limited, and many ministries and agencies have yet to integrate AI into core functions. Infrastructure issues, like unreliable energy supply and slow internet connections outside major cities, continue to stifle wider deployment.
Investment in high‑quality research is another gap. While domestic talent is growing, local universities and research institutions need stronger funding and global partnerships to push Nigeria’s AI research capabilities forward. This would help to retain talent and reduce brain drain to other innovation centres abroad.
For many analysts, Nigeria’s long‑term economic goals hinge on accelerating productivity across sectors. With the federal government aiming to transform the economy into a $1 trillion powerhouse, AI is seen not as a tech buzzword but as a productivity engine. Its applications range from tax administration efficiency to improved healthcare delivery, automated logistics and predictive agricultural systems.
Still, the real test will be in converting readiness into measurable outcomes for everyday Nigerians. Scaling AI solutions that address local issues such as unemployment, education access, economic inclusion and public service efficiency will determine how impactful these readiness gains ultimately are. Large, well‑executed pilot projects, partnerships between government and industry, and clear metrics for evaluating progress will be essential.
Looking Forward: Strategy, Skills and Sustainable Growth
Nigeria’s next frontier in AI readiness will require a mix of stable policy execution, sustained investment in digital infrastructure, and concerted efforts to build homegrown talent. Investing in data science programmes, AI research labs and incentive structures for startups will reinforce the gains already recorded.
There is also a growing call for clearer ethical guidance and regulatory frameworks to protect citizens while fostering innovation. As AI becomes more embedded in everyday services, citizens and institutions will need assurance that technologies are used responsibly, transparently and with respect for human rights.
If Nigeria can maintain its current momentum, build stronger public‑private collaborations and deepen digital inclusion, it can not only climb higher on future AI readiness indices but also realise the economic and social benefits that accompany responsible AI adoption. For a nation of more than 200 million people with a youthful population and a vibrant tech scene, the future of AI is as promising as it is challenging.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s leap in the Oxford AI readiness ranking is a validation of recent policy work, institutional focus and emerging innovation culture in the tech ecosystem. The journey from 103rd to 72nd in just two years signals a confident stride into the AI age. Yet, the path ahead requires sustained effort, strategic investments and tangible implementation to ensure that these improvements touch the lives of average Nigerians and help build a digital economy that works for all.
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