…Google–Ipsos data shows Nigerians lead globally in everyday AI use
By Juliet Umeh
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept in Nigeria—it is fast becoming part of everyday life, shaping how people learn, work, and build businesses. A new report by Google and Ipsos suggests that Nigeria is not only adopting AI at scale but is also emerging as one of the most optimistic and practical AI users globally.
The report, “Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the Hands of More People,” shows that 88 per cent of Nigerian adults have used an AI chatbot, an 18-point increase from 2024 and well above the global average of 62 per cent. The figures highlight how quickly AI tools are moving from novelty to necessity across the country.
Nigeria’s AI adoption is being driven largely by learning and skills development. According to the findings, 93 per cent of Nigerians use AI to learn or understand complex topics, far exceeding the global average of 74 per cent. This trend reflects the role AI is playing in bridging gaps within Nigeria’s education system, providing on-demand learning support to students, professionals, and self-taught workers.
In the workplace, AI has become an increasingly common productivity aid. Ninety-one per cent of Nigerians say they use AI to support their work, whether for research, writing, problem-solving, or planning. For a labour market characterised by high competition and rapid change, AI is being embraced as a tool to enhance efficiency and remain relevant.
Perhaps most striking is AI’s growing role in entrepreneurship. The report shows that 80 per cent of Nigerians use AI to explore new business ideas or career changes, nearly double the global average of 42 per cent. From small business owners to early-stage startup founders, AI is being used to test ideas, understand markets, and reduce the cost of experimentation.
“This report tells the story of a country that is actively shaping its future with technology,” said Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Google West Africa. “Nigerians are using AI creatively and purposefully to unlock opportunities for learning, growth, and economic empowerment. Our focus is to ensure AI remains helpful, inclusive, and accessible.”
Confidence in AI’s role within Nigeria’s education sector is also notably high. Ninety-one per cent of respondents believe AI is having a positive impact on how people learn and access information, while 95 per cent say university students and educators are likely to benefit from AI tools. These views suggest growing openness to AI-assisted teaching, research, and professional training—including in specialised fields such as medicine and health sciences.
Beyond adoption, the report highlights Nigeria’s strong optimism about the future of AI. Eighty per cent of Nigerians say they are more excited than concerned about AI, compared to a near-even global split between optimism and anxiety. Among frequent AI users, excitement rises to 90 per cent, indicating that increased exposure to AI tends to build trust rather than fear.
Analysts say Nigeria’s experience underscores how AI adoption in emerging markets is being shaped less by advanced infrastructure and more by human adaptability and necessity. As AI tools become more embedded in education, entrepreneurship, and digital services, Nigeria’s approach may offer valuable insights into how developing economies can leverage artificial intelligence for inclusive growth.
With high adoption, strong optimism, and practical use cases already taking root, AI in Nigeria is evolving from experimentation to everyday utility—positioning the country as a key player in the global conversation on the future of artificial intelligence.
