MTN Calls for Joint Action to Tackle AI Challenges in Nigeria

MTN Nigeria has urged both public and private sector organisations to work together to address the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence. The company’s chief executive officer, Dr. Karl Toriola, made the call during a speech at the 2025 Gulf Information Technology Exhibition in Abuja.

Toriola highlighted that Nigeria must invest in data infrastructure, reliable power supply, and skills development to support the growth of AI. He pointed out that the country currently faces a significant shortfall in data centre capacity, estimated at 90 megawatts. This gap is particularly concerning as data consumption from AI is expected to be 16 times higher than current levels.

The CEO also emphasised that AI data centres require enormous amounts of energy—comparable to the output of a nuclear power plant per facility. This presents a major challenge in a country where unstable electricity supply remains a persistent issue.

MTN remains committed to investing in solutions that enable consumers, small and medium enterprises, and large corporations to benefit from AI technologies. The company believes that through collaboration, Nigeria can build sovereign data ecosystems and the necessary computing infrastructure to compete globally.

The event brought together industry players, academics, government representatives, and businesses from across Africa and beyond to discuss equitable AI development and digital foundation building.