Nigeria is emerging as one of the world’s most active frontiers for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, according to a new joint report by Google and Ipsos.
Rather than approaching AI with caution, Nigerians are integrating the technology rapidly into everyday life, positioning the country at the forefront of global usage.
The study, titled “Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the Hands of More People,” highlights widespread and practical application of AI tools across sectors such as education, business, and personal development. It also reflects a strong sense of confidence in the technology’s potential to improve productivity and expand opportunity.
Notably, the report finds that 88 percent of Nigerian adults have used an AI chatbot—an 18-percentage-point increase from 2024 and significantly higher than the global average of 62 percent.
This sharp rise underscores both the pace of adoption and the growing role of AI in Nigeria’s digital and economic landscape.
“It’s inspiring to see how Nigerians are creatively and purposefully using AI to unlock new opportunities for learning, growth, and economic empowerment,” says Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications & Public Affairs Manager for Google in West Africa.
“This report doesn’t just show high adoption rates; it tells the story of a nation that is actively shaping its future with technology, using AI as a tool to accelerate progress and achieve its ambitions. We’re committed to ensuring that AI remains a helpful and accessible tool for everyone.”
Key findings for Nigeria include:
- AI is the Ultimate Sidekick for Learning and Work
While the top use for AI globally has shifted to learning, Nigerians are taking it a step further, using AI as a powerful tool for personal and professional development.
- Learning on Steroids: A staggering 93% of Nigerians use AI to learn or understand complex topics, compared to 74% globally.
- Your New Work Bestie: 91% use AI to assist them with their work.
- The Entrepreneur’s Edge: 80% of Nigerians are using AI to explore a new business or career change—nearly double the global average of 42%.
- A+ for AI in Education
Nigerians have overwhelmingly positive feelings about AI’s role in the classroom and beyond, seeing it as a game-changer for education.
- 91% feel AI is having a positive impact on how we learn and access information (compared to ~65% globally).
- 95% believe university students and educators are likely to benefit from AI.
- Nigerians Are Excited for an AI Future
Compared to the rest of the world, Nigerians are significantly more optimistic about the potential of AI.
- 80% of Nigerians are more excited about the possibilities of AI, versus just 20% who are more concerned. Globally, the split is much closer (53% excited / 46% concerned).
- This excitement rises to 90% among Nigerians who use AI “a lot” in their daily lives.