By Joy Odor Tech & Policy Desk
Nigeria may soon take a decisive step into the global artificial intelligence race as the Senate on Tuesday advanced a bill seeking the establishment of a National Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Centre in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), scaled second reading after an extensive debate, drawing cross-party support for what lawmakers described as a “strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future.”
Presenting the bill, Adaramodu said the centre would serve as a national hub for research, innovation, and development in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, data science, and emerging technologies, helping to position Nigeria as a continental leader in the global digital economy.
“Artificial intelligence is the new frontier of human progress,” he told his colleagues. “Every developed nation is investing heavily in AI infrastructure and innovation hubs. Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind.”
The Lawmaker stressed that the proposed centre would bridge the gap between academia, government, and private industry, fostering research collaborations that can drive homegrown solutions in agriculture, education, health, governance, and national security.
Adaramodu said the centre would equip young Nigerians with cutting-edge skills in AI and advanced digital technologies, creating a pipeline of innovators capable of building indigenous solutions and startups that could compete globally.
“The establishment of this centre in Omuo-Ekiti will stimulate research, create jobs, and catalyse economic growth across the South-West and beyond,” he said.
He added that Ekiti State’s deep reputation for education and scholarship made it a natural home for such a transformative institution.
Reportcircle analysis shows that Nigeria’s AI and data economy currently estimated at less than 0.5% of GDP could exceed $15 billion in value by 2030 if the country invests in human capital, research infrastructure, and policy frameworks to attract both local and foreign investment.
Adaramodu’s bill represents the first concrete legislative attempt to institutionalise AI governance and innovation at the national level, aligning with the Tinubu administration’s broader agenda on digital inclusion and economic diversification.
During debate, several Senators praised the proposal, describing AI and emerging technologies as critical to job creation, productivity, and national competitiveness.
Lawmakers from across political divides agreed that the initiative could help stem youth unemployment while positioning Nigeria to benefit from the global wave of digital transformation.
With the bill now through its second reading, it will be referred to the Senate Committee on Science and Technology for further legislative scrutiny before returning to the floor for third reading and passage.
If approved, the Center will operate as a specialised institution under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, with a mandate to build talent pipelines, fund AI research, and develop digital tools to address local challenges.
In an era where nations are racing to harness the power of artificial intelligence, Senator Adaramodu’s proposal marks Nigeria’s strongest legislative signal yet that it intends to join the competition.
“This Bill is not just about a building,” he said. “It’s about securing Nigeria’s place in the global technological landscape.”
