Okonjo-Iweala Says Nigeria Needs To Decentralize Electricity Supply To Spur AI Growth

Date: 15-01-2025 5:30 pm (3 weeks ago) | Author: onuigbo felicia
- at 15-01-2025 05:30 PM (3 weeks ago)
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The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has emphasized the need for a decentralized approach to electricity supply in Nigeria to drive the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Speaking at the 10th convocation ceremony of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja on Tuesday, Okonjo-Iweala noted that reliable electricity power supply is crucial for internet access and AI adoption.

“Underpinning all that, of course, is access to reliable electricity power supply. Power outages and constant interruptions might prove a more challenging constraint in Nigeria and other African countries to internet access and AI adoption than anything else,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala proposed that each production, consumption, and learning unit should create its electricity supply through renewables, citing the improved affordability of renewable energy.

She commended AUST for embarking on this path, with feasibility studies for hydro and solar sources to power the campus.

The WTO boss also stressed the need for regulations to guide the use of AI, ensuring data security and sovereignty.

“We also need to bear in mind that relying on AI-driven systems could pose challenges to data sovereignty and security,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala urged investments in ICT infrastructure to enable Nigerians to benefit from AI.

“For people in Nigeria and across the continent to fully harness the gains from AI, we need investments. Investments in basic infrastructure first and foremost, investments in regulatory frameworks, in digital literacy, in upskilling our young people, in creating appropriate business ecosystems and more,” she said.

Posted: at 15-01-2025 05:30 PM (3 weeks ago) | Addicted Hero
- gogoman at 15-01-2025 05:35 PM (3 weeks ago)
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 Grin Grin Grin
Posted: at 15-01-2025 05:35 PM (3 weeks ago) | Grande Master
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- Baye77 at 15-01-2025 10:12 PM (3 weeks ago)
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Electricity generation, transmission and consumption has been decentralised in Nigeria. States have been granted licenses and even private individuals can obtain licenses too. The issue is this, how many of the thieving governors in Nigeria tell you they want to invest in power?? Not many of them will want to put billions into an investment that won't bring immediate returns for them to embezzle in their 4-8 years in office. Power business is very expensive. If governors invest in it, what will they now steal?? The problem in Nigeria is a serious one.
Posted: at 15-01-2025 10:12 PM (3 weeks ago) | Hero
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- Holopid at 16-01-2025 06:55 AM (3 weeks ago)
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I dont know why people are still depending on authorities for Power supply..House owners,tenants should start putting solar in their properties.africa is Sunny unlike many Western nations
Posted: at 16-01-2025 06:55 AM (3 weeks ago) | Gistmaniac
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