Nigerians have emerged as global leaders in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), recording levels of digital engagement that significantly surpass the global average.
According to a new report by Google and Ipsos titled “Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the Hands of More People,” Nigerian adults are embracing AI tools at an exceptional rate to support education, work, and entrepreneurship.
The study shows that 88 per cent of Nigerian adults have used an AI chatbot, representing an 18-percentage-point increase from 2024.
This places Nigeria 26 points ahead of the global average of 62 per cent, highlighting the country’s rapid integration of AI into everyday life.
The report notes that Nigerians see AI as a practical companion for personal and professional growth rather than a mere technological novelty.
About 93 per cent of Nigerians use AI to understand complex topics, well above the global average of 74 per cent.
Similarly, 91 per cent of respondents rely on AI tools to support work-related activities. Notably, 80 per cent of Nigerians use AI to explore new business opportunities or career paths—almost double the global average of 42 per cent.
Commenting on the findings, Google West Africa’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, said it was encouraging to see Nigerians using AI in creative and meaningful ways to unlock new opportunities, describing the trend as evidence of a nation actively shaping its future through technology.
Public perception of AI in Nigeria is largely positive, particularly in education.
About 91 per cent of Nigerians believe AI is improving access to information and learning, compared with roughly 65 per cent globally. In addition, 95 per cent of respondents believe university students and educators stand to benefit the most from AI-driven innovation.
While global opinion on AI risks remains divided, Nigeria demonstrates stronger confidence, with 80 per cent of Nigerians expressing excitement about AI’s potential and only 20 per cent voicing concern. Globally, sentiment is more evenly split, with 53 per cent excited and 46 per cent concerned.
Among frequent AI users in Nigeria, optimism is even higher, with excitement rising to 90 per cent.
The report concludes that Nigeria’s rapid adoption of AI, coupled with widespread optimism, is positioning the country as a key player in the global digital economy, using technology as a catalyst for national development and individual advancement.
