Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its economic evolution. With one of the world’s youngest populations and a rapidly expanding digital ecosystem, the country is both highly exposed to and uniquely positioned to benefit from generative artificial intelligence (AI). As AI tools capable of writing, designing, coding, and analyzing data become more widespread, an urgent question emerges: will generative AI threaten jobs in Nigeria, or will it unlock new opportunities for employment and growth?
The answer is not a simple one. Generative AI will undoubtedly disrupt existing roles, but it also holds immense potential to create new forms of work, raise productivity, and enable millions of Nigerians to participate in the global digital economy.
Understanding the displacement risk
Generative AI excels at automating routine cognitive tasks — drafting documents, responding to customer queries, basic data analysis, and content creation. In Nigeria, roles in customer service, administrative support, entry-level media, and even some software tasks could be affected. Businesses seeking efficiency may reduce reliance on manual processes, leading to concerns about job losses.
This risk is particularly sensitive in a country where unemployment and underemployment already pose major challenges. Many young Nigerians work in informal or semi-formal roles that could be partially automated. Without deliberate planning, AI adoption could deepen inequality, favouring skilled workers while leaving others behind.
However, history suggests that technological disruption rarely results in permanent net job losses. Instead, it changes the nature of work — often in unpredictable ways.
Job creation in the age of generative AI
While some tasks will disappear, new roles will emerge around generative AI. These include AI trainers, prompt engineers, data annotators, AI ethicists, quality assurance specialists, and product managers who understand how to integrate AI into workflows. Importantly, many of these roles do not require advanced degrees but rather practical digital skills and adaptability.
For Nigeria’s young population, this represents a significant opportunity. Generative AI lowers barriers to entry in fields such as software development, digital marketing, design, and content creation. A single individual, equipped with AI tools, can now perform work that once required a full team. This enables freelancers, small businesses, and startups to thrive with minimal capital.
Remote work further amplifies this effect. Nigerian professionals can offer AI-augmented services — customer support, research, content, analytics — to global clients, earning foreign income without leaving the country. In this sense, generative AI can act as an export engine for talent rather than raw materials.
Augmentation, not replacement
One of the most important distinctions in the AI debate is between replacement and augmentation. In many cases, generative AI does not eliminate jobs but changes how they are performed. Teachers can use AI to personalize lesson plans, journalists can use it to analyze data and draft outlines, and developers can write code faster while focusing on higher-level problem-solving.
In Nigeria, where productivity gaps often limit economic growth, this augmentation effect is especially valuable. By enabling workers to do more with less, generative AI can increase wages, improve service quality, and make Nigerian businesses more competitive globally.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which employ a large share of the workforce, stand to benefit significantly. AI-powered tools can help them manage finances, communicate with customers, and expand into new markets — supporting job retention and creation rather than destruction.
The skills challenge
The real threat of generative AI in Nigeria lies not in the technology itself, but in the skills gap. If the education system and training programmes fail to adapt, many young people may find themselves unprepared for AI-augmented roles. Digital literacy, critical thinking, and continuous learning will become essential.
Public and private sector collaboration is crucial. Universities, technical institutes, startups, and online learning platforms must work together to offer practical, affordable AI-related training. Short courses, bootcamps, and apprenticeship models can help workers transition into new roles quickly.
Policy and protection
Government policy will play a defining role in shaping outcomes. Regulations that encourage innovation while protecting workers’ rights are essential. Social safety nets, reskilling initiatives, and support for entrepreneurship can help cushion transitional shocks.
Equally important is ethical AI adoption — ensuring transparency, fairness, and data protection. Trust in AI systems will influence how widely they are adopted and how comfortable workers feel using them.
Opportunity for a new work paradigm
Generative AI presents Nigeria with a choice. If ignored or poorly managed, it could exacerbate unemployment and inequality. If embraced strategically, it could unlock a new work paradigm — one where young Nigerians are creators, problem-solvers, and global contributors.
The future of work in Nigeria will not be decided by AI alone, but by how society chooses to integrate it. With the right investments in skills, policy, and infrastructure, generative AI can become not a threat, but a powerful opportunity for inclusive economic growth.
- business a.m. commits to publishing a diversity of views, opinions and comments. It, therefore, welcomes your reaction to this and any of our articles via email: comment@businessamlive.com
Olusegun Afolabi has a first degree in biochemistry from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and a master’s in computer science from Hertfordshire University in the United Kingdom. He is an AWS solutions architect professional, a Microsoft certified Azure solutions architect expert, co-founder and chief innovations architect of Face Technologies UK Limited. He can be reached at … and on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olusegun-afolabi-307931184/
An unforgettable lesson from Entebbe Zoo