Nigeria's AI Boom: Addressing Sustainability Challenges

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various sectors globally, including the economy, education, and healthcare. However, its rapid advancement poses challenges for policy and regulation, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria.

The article stresses the importance of engaging with AI from a sustainability perspective, highlighting the significant externalities associated with its deployment, such as resource consumption and environmental risks. AI models reportedly consume up to 6 million cubic meters of clean water annually, equivalent to the yearly water usage of approximately 600,000 people.

This massive consumption can disrupt existing supply chains essential for human and ecological survival. The article warns that Nigeria must avoid hastily adopting AI technologies without thoroughly assessing the opportunity costs and sustainability implications, particularly concerning critical resources like water, land, and energy that power data centers.