AI Essential for Nigeria's Business Productivity Growth

Anthoni Oputa, a partner at EY West Africa, emphasized the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in boosting productivity for businesses in Nigeria. According to the EY Parthenon 2026 CEO Outlook report released on Wednesday, 93% of Nigerian companies have already adopted some form of AI to streamline operations.

The report indicates a shift from basic automation towards a more transformative integration of AI into business units, particularly in logistics, finance, and customer service. This integration is expected to have a direct positive impact on the bottom line and long-term resilience of these companies.

The report also highlights that 42% of CEOs plan to reskill their workforce to fully leverage AI capabilities. Despite external pressures such as high energy prices and trade regulations, 89% of CEOs intend to pursue mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships in the coming year, with nearly half specifically targeting better AI technologies and specialized talent.