The Nigerian government is harnessing geospatial technology to combat revenue leakages and streamline governance, according to Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology. During the 21st Annual General Assembly/Conference and GIS Day in Abuja, Nnaji highlighted how the use of geospatial tools has helped identify and eliminate revenue blockages, streamline tax collection, and manage resources more effectively.

“The president has mainstreamed geospatial technologies into blocking revenue leakages and creating new revenue streams,” Nnaji stated. Additionally, the government has approved four new satellites for Nigeria to further strengthen these efforts.

Geospatial technologies, which involve tools for capturing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced data, are considered essential for addressing key national challenges. Nnaji emphasized that these technologies play a crucial role in sectors like urban planning, agriculture, disaster management, and infrastructure development.

At the event, representatives of the Geoinformation Society of Nigeria, including President Fitka Bilshakka, urged Nigerian universities to incorporate geospatial science into their curriculums to inspire the next generation. Bilshakka stressed that geospatial technology is vital to addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, ranging from security to environmental issues.

The Chairman of the National Population Commission, Nasir Kwarra, also underscored the importance of geospatial data in national planning, noting its transformative potential in addressing the country’s pressing challenges. He emphasized that accurate demographic and geospatial data are critical for driving sustainable development.

This commitment to geospatial technology aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of enhancing governance, economic growth, and national development through innovation.

By Aaior K. Comfort

Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield, pioneers in artificial intelligence (AI), were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics on October 8 for their groundbreaking work on neural networks. Their research has laid the foundation for modern AI systems that are transforming society but also raising significant concerns about potential risks.

Hinton, often referred to as the “Godfather of AI,” and Hopfield expressed deep concerns about the future implications of the technology they helped develop. Hinton, 76, made headlines in 2023 when he resigned from his position at Google, warning of the “profound risks to society and humanity” posed by AI. Following the Nobel announcement, Hinton reiterated his worry, suggesting that AI systems could eventually surpass human intelligence and potentially take control.

The Nobel Committee recognized the two scientists for “foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks.” Hinton’s creation of the Boltzmann machine and Hopfield’s associative memory model, the Hopfield network, were key contributions to the development of AI technologies used in everything from facial recognition to language translation.

While celebrating the benefits of AI, Ellen Moons, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, also highlighted the concerns surrounding its rapid development. She emphasized the importance of ethical use and responsible oversight of this powerful technology.

Hopfield, professor emeritus at Princeton, echoed Hinton’s concerns, calling the advancement of AI “unnerving” and urging a deeper understanding to avoid unintended consequences.

Hinton, currently a professor at the University of Toronto, compared AI’s potential impact to that of the Industrial Revolution, predicting that AI will surpass human intellectual abilities, much like machines exceeded human physical strength.

Google has unveiled a new report highlighting the substantial economic impact of digital technologies in Nigeria. Released on Thursday and independently conducted by Public First, the Digital Opportunity of Nigeria report illustrates how Google’s products and infrastructure are facilitating digital transformation and contributing to economic growth nationwide.

As Nigeria undergoes rapid digital development, the report emphasizes the vast potential for further growth. Key findings indicate that every $1 invested in digital technology in Nigeria generates over $8 in economic value, underscoring the critical role of digital innovations—such as connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI)—in shaping the country’s economic future.

Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa, remarked, “We’re thrilled to see the positive impact that digital technology is having on Nigeria’s economy. This report underscores the importance of continued investment in digital skills and infrastructure to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s vibrant digital economy.”

Key Findings from the Report:

• High Return on Investment: Every $1 invested in digital technology contributes $8 to Nigeria’s economy.
• Economic Activity Contribution: In 2023, Google’s products and services—including Search, Ads, YouTube, and Cloud—generated an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity across Nigeria, significantly boosting the productivity of local businesses, creators, and workers.
• Digital Skills Development: Google’s digital skills programs, such as Digital Skills for Africa and the Career Certificates Program, have benefited millions of Nigerians, with over 1.5 million young adults acquiring new digital skills in 2023 alone.
• AI’s Economic Potential: The report estimates that AI could add an additional $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030, with Google’s commitment to responsible AI development playing a crucial role.

In 2021, Google pledged $1 billion to accelerate Africa’s digital economy, aiming to improve internet access, support local entrepreneurs, and foster innovation. The Digital Opportunity report highlights the tangible impacts of these investments in Nigeria.

The report also offers strategic recommendations for policymakers, advocating for enhanced cloud-first policies and improved digital infrastructure to maximize AI’s potential. Additionally, it stresses the importance of strengthening STEM education and AI fluency to prepare Nigeria’s workforce for the future.

The insights from this report showcase Nigeria as a digital front-runner in Africa, with technology investments poised to be a powerful catalyst for growth and development.