Revealed: Nigerian brands banking on robots, AI
Like their counterparts overseas, top Nigerian brands operating across different verticals including banking, fintech, aviation, tourism, fast moving consumer goods segment, construction, engineering, manufacturing to mention just a few are now deploying fast pace robotic technology and Artificial Intelligence to drive processes and procedures otherwise achieved with manual labour, reports
FEW months ago while on a tour of a facility at one of the fast moving consumer goods companies (FMGC), situated along the Ijebu-Ode axis, in Ogun state, yours truly saw some robots at work sorting, packaging and arranging drinks ready for onward distribution to customers. These machines performed these tasks so effortlessly that in just about half an hour a total of 10 trucks with a weight capacity of 70 tonnes each was almost filled up.
As one would later find out these were activities hitherto performed by manual labour, warts and all!
Awestruck, one just let out a silent sigh but then a sense of déjà-vu set in within milliseconds after recalling a verisimilitude experience about four years ago at the Kigali International Airport, in Rwanda, the Famous City on a Thousand Hills, where right at the arrival lounge, a robot named Urumuri literally danced attendance upon passengers in line with the COVID-19 protocols, managing cargo, traffic as well as screening passengers.
Much to one's astonishment Urumuri, a human-like robot screened 50 to 150 people per minute; way too faster than ordinary humans would, detected abnormalities, notifying officers about scammers, and could deliver food and medication to patient rooms!
Just as it happened in Kigali Airport, investigation by The Nation revealed that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) conducted a dry run simulation exercise at the domestic terminals of both airports where the robots were deployed.
The deployment of these robots was part of Nigeria's efforts to enhance airport security and efficiency, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Welcome to the world of robotic technology and Artificial Intelligence!
Corporate Nigerians sold on AI
Like the rest of the globe, Nigeria is also witnessing a significant growth in AI adoption across various industries from banking and finance with GTBank deploying predictive analytics, chatbots, First Bank with the use of digital banking, AI-powered customer service, UBA using AI-driven customer engagement, transaction analysis, to Access Bank AI-powered risk management, credit scoring, etc.
In the e-commerce and retail segment, Jumia is driving its brand with AI-driven customer service, product recommendation, just as Konga deploys predictive analytics, personalised marketing mix, ditto for healthcare where 54gene uses a combination of AI-driven genetic research, disease diagnosis, with Medici deploys telemedicine platform with AI-powered diagnosis and LifeBank using AI-optimised blood donation and supply chain management to mention just a few.
Besides, in the area of knowledge management uLesson has been able to deploy AI-powered educational platforms for students, just as TutorMe pushes its frontiers with AI-driven online tutoring services.
In the manufacturing subsector, some of the FMGCs just like the one visited by yours truly as indicated earlier, one saw at firsthand how most of the company's processes and procedures were on automation and based purely on technology driven innovation.
One of the system operators who simply gave his name as Ernest shared what he considered non-classified information with a correspondent during a private tête-à-tête.
On whether the robots are involved in the mixing, sorting and packaging of sausages, he said they only undertake packaging of the finished products.
Ernest, who disclosed that the company began using robots as part of its operations in 2015, admitted matter-of-factly that they have been a welcomed addition of some sorts.
"Robots have helped us to improve customer satisfaction, improve packaging efficiency and improved turnaround time," said Ernest rather earnestly.
These brands are pioneering AI adoption in Nigeria, improving efficiency, customer experience, and innovation.
Justification for AI by Corporate Nigeria
As to why corporate Nigeria has since resigned to the use of AI and virtual assistants for service delivery, the Chief Information Officer of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NGX), Afeez Ramoni offered a plausible explanation.
According to him, Nigerian banks, telecommunications, legal and other sectors prefer artificial intelligence (AI) virtual assistants for service delivery in the country.
Read Also: Nigeria, China $2bn currency swap renewal deal to strengthen bilateral trade - DG Tegbe
Ramoni, who shared his insight during the July edition of the Nairametrics webinar with the theme, 'How to Make Money Using AI: Value Creation for Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Government,' said AI has revolutionise Nigeria's banking industry with the introduction of virtual assistants such as Leo and Ziva, among others.
According to him, the use of AI virtual assistants in these sectors is the most common resource of AI to drive inclusion, growth and productivity.
Going down memory lane Ramoni said, "In 2019, one of the banks in Nigeria released a virtual assistant called Leo. And today, one can chat with that virtual assistant. That is an implementation of AI. That provides solutions to problems.
"We also have another implementation by another bank called Ziva. It's also an AI-powered chat box that allows interactions with bank customers.
"If you look also at the legal services, there are also AI resources that help the Nigerian lawyers to do legal research, review legal opinions, litigation and legal drafting. With a tool like Timi for example, it's a product of Law Pavilion. They can get into law reports and other civil procedures. In fact, Nigerians can get legal procedures from such AI platforms.
"In telecommunication, we've seen Zigi from MTN. It's also an AI-powered virtual assistant.
"In essence, virtual assistants have been the most used case by Nigerians companies," Ramoni said.
Besides, he said there has also been the integration of AI in the transportation sector, providing different data for transportation use in the country.
Ramoni highlighted AI tools used in Nigeria such as Lara.ng that can predict impending traffic jams, determine transportation cost as well as road conditions in different locations.
He said these innovations are providing necessary solutions and opportunities to a myriad of Nigerians despite the obvious economic challenges in the country.
"Also, there is a virtual assistant that helps Nigerians to determine public transport, traffic situation, and cost of transport. It's called Lara.ng.
"Nigerians are really rising to the opportunities. Because as many as the challenges we have in Nigeria so also are the opportunities. We have the advent of smartphones which is transitioning into a smart estate. We've seen this gradual adoption of AI to streamline processes, improve customer service and provide support to customers," Ramoni said.
While ventilating his views on investment opportunities in the capital market embedded in the use of AI, Ramoni said the regulatory body of Nigeria's capital market, Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), has inaugurated a committee to help drive investment opportunities with AI-powered technologies and ensure seamless onboarding of investors in the market.
"Nigeria regulatory body for the capital market, SEC, has also seen the rise of artificial intelligence in the investment sector. We now have the use of AI for investment analysis in the market.
"This has led to the inauguration of a committee that now looks into data implementation, privacy and investment opportunities through the use of AI," he said.
Peter Adebola, a stock analyst and Chuks Udenzi, a certified ICT expert are also on the same page with Ramoni.
Speaking separately with our correspondent, the duo said the upsurge of AI adoption in the nation's financial services is indeed remarkable.
Citing the case of Access Holdings Plc, a conglomerate which has evolved over the past 30 years from a small Nigerian bank into a world-class African financial institution, offering banking, insurance, pensions, payments, and lending services, Adebola and Udenzi said one thing going for the fledgling company is its adaptability to technology.
According to him, like other leading organisations, Access Holdings quickly adapts to new technology trends, especially those proven to be highly beneficial like generative artificial intelligence (AI).
Udenzi noted that the use of AI has helped with integrating the technology that enables employees to deliver topnotch services.
Echoing similar sentiments, Sonny Iroche, Chairman, GenAi Learning Concepts Ltd, while exploring the opportunities presented by AI in relation to Nigerian banks argued matter-of-factly that the use of AI in the banking sector has the potential to transform operations, enhance security, and drive innovation.
Specifically, he said, "The banking sector in Nigeria will soon undergo a significant transformation with the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Nigerian banks, particularly the Tier 1 banks, can leverage AI technology to achieve various benefits such as improved customer service, increased efficiency, enhanced security, better risk management, personalized banking experiences, cost savings, competitive advantage, compliance and regulatory adherence, data analytics, and innovation.
"Prior to the adoption of AI technology in banking, it is essential to first embark on an AI Readiness Assessment Process. Nigerian banks can utilize AI to achieve these benefits and gain a competitive edge in the market.
"Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized various industries, including banking, particularly in the global North, while the majority of the 54 African countries are yet to have a national AI strategic framework, and not to talk about the achievement of any substantial AI Readiness. The use of AI in the banking sector has the potential to transform operations, improve customer service, enhance security, and drive innovation. Nigerian banks, particularly those that are well resourced can leverage AI technology to achieve various benefits and improve their overall performance.
"Essentially, Nigerian banks can harness AI to achieve benefits such as improved better risk management, efficiency in credit analysis and credit approval, personalised banking experiences, cost savings, competitive advantage, compliance and regulatory adherence, data analytics, and innovation.
"One of the key benefits of AI readiness and adoption for Nigerian banks is improved customer service. AI-powered chatbots can provide instant, personalised responses to customer queries, enhancing the overall customer experience. Chatbots can handle a large volume of customer inquiries simultaneously, providing quick and efficient responses 24/7. For example, when a customer has a query about their account balance or transaction history, a chatbot can quickly provide the information without the need for human intervention. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also frees up bank employees to focus on more complex tasks that require human intervention.
"AI can automate repetitive tasks such as data entry, processing, and document verification, allowing bank employees to focus on more high-value activities. By automating routine tasks, banks can streamline operations, reduce manual errors, and improve efficiency. For instance, AI algorithms can process loan applications faster by analysing applicant data and creditworthiness, making the approval process quicker and more accurate. This not only saves time but also enhances the overall efficiency of the bank's operations.
"Security is a top priority for banks, and AI can play a crucial role in enhancing security measures. AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data in real-time to detect and prevent fraudulent activities such as unauthorised transactions or identity theft. And track the activities of hackers who defraud unsuspecting bank customers in an increasing present day scam. By continuously monitoring transactions, AI can identify suspicious patterns and alert the bank's security team to take immediate action. This proactive approach to security can help banks mitigate financial losses and protect customer data from cyber threats.
"AI can analyse large volumes of data to identify potential risks and make more informed decisions, helping banks mitigate potential losses. By leveraging AI algorithms, banks can assess credit risks, detect anomalies in transactions, and predict market trends with greater accuracy. For example, AI-powered risk management systems can analyse historical data to identify patterns of default and predict the likelihood of a customer defaulting on a loan. This proactive risk assessment can help banks make informed decisions and reduce their exposure to potential risks."
Enter First robot citizen! First robot lawyer!!!
Since the advent of robotic technology by John McCarthy in 1956, the field of AI and information technology rapidly gained traction with newfound interest inspiring numerous individuals to contribute to its advancement.
Eric was the first British robot, built in 1928 by First World War veteran Captain William Richards, and aircraft engineer Alan Reffell. After Eric there are several other inventions. For instance, Sophia is a social humanoid robot. Sophia was activated on February 14, 2016, and made its first public appearance in mid-March 2016 in Austin, Texas, United States. Sophia is able to display more than 50 facial expressions. Sophia has been covered by media around the globe and has participated in many high-profile interviews. On October 25, 2017, Sophia, a delicate looking woman with doe-brown eyes and long fluttery eyelashes made international headlines. She'd just become a full citizen of Saudi Arabia.
In November 2017, Sophia was named the United Nations Development Programme's first ever Innovation Champion, and is the first non-human to be given any United Nations title.
The world's first artificial intelligence lawyer, a robot, is named Ross. ROSS has been built by ROSS Intelligence and is built upon IBM cognitive computer Watson.
It has been hired by US-based law firm Baker Hostetler to assist the company and its various teams in legal research.
The world's first AI-based robot lawyer was developed by a company in the United States. This innovation was primarily aimed at assisting with legal research, providing basic legal advice, and helping to draft legal documents. It's important to note, however, that while AI technology has significantly advanced in the legal field, its role is primarily supportive and augmentative.
Nigerian lawyers also pushing frontiers of AI
Two Nigerian lawyers have launched an artificial intelligence platform known as Case Radar.
Justifying the need for the AI, the duo said it would help to ease legal practice in Nigeria.
Agbo Obinnaya, a co-founder, who spoke during an interview at the launch in Abuja, recently, said he was inspired to develop the tool by the challenges he encountered doing legal research when he was studying law at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa.
"It became more difficult when I became a lawyer (in 2022), and having experienced all these difficulties, I did a survey for over 218 persons, and I gathered from it that I wasn't the only person experiencing the difficulties," he said.
He said he used the opinions collated from the survey to perfect his idea of the solutions the initiative can offer.
The services the AI tool can offer include legal advice, legal research, case law summaries, and the ability to connect lawyers with clients who need to hire them for court-related issues.
According to Mr Obinnaya, the platform generally eases legal practice and provides access to legal information and knowledge. "We are giving the general public access to legal knowledge and legal services so they can properly understand what the law says on certain issues and also have access to connect to lawyers easily," he added.
Founded to democratise legal knowledge and streamline legal processes, Mr Obinnaya noted that law practices in Nigeria and across the continent would be much better simplified, enhancing the criminal justice system with the help of generative AI technology.
"The Case Radar is designed to improve efficiency, cut costs, and provide accurate legal insights at the click of a button. We are here to reshape the legal profession for the modern age," he said.
He added, "Our platform isn't just about making legal services more accessible -- it's about transforming how the law is practised.
"We're pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the legal tech space, and the response we've seen so far is just the beginning."
Some lawyers who attended the ceremony said the AI product will help them in litigation and other practice areas.
Speaking, Chisom Chukwu, an Abuja-based lawyer, said she had always found legal research for her cases nightmarish.
"But with this digital tool and the features added by the developers, I believe that would be a thing of the past. I'll now be able to do legal drafting effortlessly," she said.
Another lawyer, Emmanuel Ebuka, said that the app would be more helpful to people passionate about the latest developments in the legal profession.
"It is a tool that will raise the mundane parts of our job to a greater height," he said.
There has been a surge in the introduction of tech solutions in legal practice in Nigeria, some of which have also helped citizens without legal training to understand the law and the country's legal landscape.
Experts believe that artificial intelligence will gradually change the legal ecosystem, which is still primarily analogue.
The Nigerian government has also caught the AI bug!
Ever wondered if Nigeria may cotton up to this AI thing? Well, a penny for your thoughts, the government is not taking any chances too.
The Nation can authoritatively report that The Federal Government has declared its readiness to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the country's economy.
The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed this at a media briefing mid-October in Abuja.
He said the government has secured a N2.8 billion grant from search engine giant Google to boost AI talent development in the country.
Tijani said the government would focus on sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance in addressing local challenges and driving sustainable economic growth through AI.
He said: "Artificial intelligence is a sure tool that can create value for the country itself. AI is already here and we must create a strong ecosystem locally."
"I am a strong believer that the development we desire in Nigeria will not just come from the government. Government can set the agenda but it is the ecosystem that has a programme like this that Google has mentioned that will truly ensure we build the economy that we want to see."
On his part, Matt Brittin, president, Google EMEA, said the grant will be implemented in Nigeria through the government's ongoing three million technical talents (3MTT) programme with a focus on 20,000 Nigerians with AI skills.
The 3MTT, launched on October 13, is a four-year programme aimed at training Nigerians and building the country's technical talent backbone to power the digital economy and position Nigeria as a net talent exporter.
Brittin added that through the scheme, 125,000 educators will be trained and 10 promising Nigerian AI startups will be empowered with N100 million.
"I am pleased to announce that Google.org is providing N2.8 billion (or approximately $1.7 million) in funding to the Data Scientists Network Foundation, supporting the honourable minister's vision for AI growth in Nigeria," Brittin said.
"This funding will be directed toward critical initiatives that advance AI skills and opportunities across the country.
"Through this grant, we're supporting the FMCIDE's 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) program, with a focus on equipping 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced skills in AI and data science.
"Additionally, the Experience AI Program, developed with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, will train 25,000 educators to inspire and educate 125,000 young learners, introducing them to AI fundamentals.
"Finally, the AI Fund, created in collaboration with NCAIR, is providing 10 promising Nigerian AI startups with N100 million in funding, alongside up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from Google engineers, and technical support."
Brittin said BetaLife Health, Bunce, CDIAL AI, Farmspeak, Lendsqr, ProDevs, Rana Energy, SaaSPro Health, Towntalk and Trade Lenda, are the 10 startups selected for the AI fund.
Fallouts of AI: the good, the bad and the ugly!
The composite e-commerce group, Konga, has hinted of plans to transform the Nigerian media and commerce landscape with the upcoming launch of its AI-powered FM radio station in Lagos. The groundbreaking initiative, set to debut in January 2025, will mark Africa's first Hit Music & Commerce Station, blending Technology, Entertainment, Commerce and more to drive impactful connections across the continent and the world.
A reliable source reveals that the station - KongaFM will be a pioneering platform to empower brands, distributors, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to connect with untapped markets, revolutionising commerce in real time.
While offering businesses a new avenue for product visibility and market penetration, the station promises to deliver non-stop hit music, ensuring listeners enjoy a unique mix of entertainment and commercial opportunities. It will be a completely new experience for Nigerians.
Equipped with state-of-the-art broadcasting technology and staffed by a dynamic new blend of seasoned professionals and youthful talent, the station will begin test transmissions in the second week of January 2025. Konga's latest media venture comes as part of its broader strategy to disrupt conventional marketing communications and amplify consumer engagement across sectors, including FMCG, electronics, and digital solutions.
The move is expected to send ripples across Nigeria's FX market, potentially influencing the pricing and availability of key goods and commodities. This aligns with Konga's history of innovation in the e-commerce sector.
This initiative will also complement Konga's existing TV arm and other media services, positioning the brand as a dominant force in Marketing Communications. Together, these platforms will create synergies that set new benchmarks for how entertainment and commerce converge in Africa while streaming globally.
When asked for further details, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, CEO of Konga Group, remained tight-lipped, stating that "full details and official announcements will be made in January 2025."
The anticipation around this launch continues to grow as industry experts and media enthusiasts eagerly await what is already being hailed as the next major evolution in Africa's media and commerce space.
In what may be a rippled negative effect of the advent of the AI, in Europe, a Warsaw, Polish, radio station did what was thought to be bizarre and triggered controversy after dismissing its journalists and relaunching this week with AI-generated "presenters."
Weeks after letting its journalists go, OFF Radio Krakow relaunched this week, with what it said was "the first experiment in Poland in which journalists ... are virtual characters created by AI."
The station in the southern city of Krakow said its three avatars are designed to reach younger listeners by speaking about cultural, art and social issues.
Also Ukraine's Ministry of Defense recently showcased its latest assets in the ongoing conflict with Russia: robotic dogs, supplied by the United Kingdom, which can be equipped with flamethrowers. These robotic "war dogs", manufactured by Brit Alliance, demonstrated exceptional mobility and agility, crucial for navigating complex and hostile environments. They can traverse debris, climb obstacles, and move stealthily across open terrain.
Search for regulatory framework for AI
In spite of the benefits of AI, there are concerns about its wrong usage across the globe which is why many governments are doing everything to rein in the potential threats it portends.
In the USA, for instance, Joe Biden sent a memorandum on the use of AI to forestall a situation where it could be manipulated.
On November 13th, 2020, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, commissioned the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) along with its modern digital fabrication laboratory (FabLab). The Centre is one of NITDA's special purpose vehicles created to promote research and development on emerging technologies and their practical application in areas of Nigerian national interest.
The facility is focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Drones, Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies, aimed at transforming the Nigerian digital economy, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).
This was a statement on the interest of the Nigerian government to harness the use of artificial intelligence to aid economic growth. The Federal Government, sequel to the launch of the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme announced in October 2023, that it will award N5 million each to 45 startups and researchers focusing on AI.
This is geared towards support the mainstreaming of the application of Artificial Intelligence for economic prosperity.