AI Can Strengthen Nigeria’s Fight Against Insecurity, Expert Says
Expert Advocates Greater AI Adoption in Nigeria
ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) is increasingly emerging as a critical tool in addressing modern security challenges and accelerating socio-economic development, according to technology expert and cyber safety advocate, Ms. Tinuola Popoola.
Speaking in Abuja, Popoola described AI as one of the most transformative technologies of the digital age, capable of analysing vast amounts of data, identifying patterns and supporting decision-making processes across multiple sectors.
She noted that AI-driven systems are rapidly reshaping industries worldwide by improving efficiency, enhancing productivity and enabling organisations to respond more effectively to complex challenges.
According to her, the technology’s influence extends beyond automation and convenience, offering practical solutions to issues ranging from cybersecurity threats to national security concerns.
AI’s Expanding Role in Security Operations
Popoola explained that artificial intelligence is becoming an essential component of modern security infrastructure.
She said AI-powered technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision are helping organisations detect threats, monitor unusual activities and respond to emerging risks more quickly than traditional methods.
According to her, cyber defenders are increasingly relying on AI to identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited by criminals, thereby reducing the financial and operational consequences of cyber-attacks.
She cited international experiences showing that AI-assisted threat detection has helped organisations reduce the time required to identify and contain data breaches, resulting in significant financial savings.
For Nigeria, where cybercrime continues to pose a growing challenge to businesses, institutions and government agencies, she argued that wider adoption of AI-driven security tools could help strengthen resilience against digital threats.
Addressing Cybercrime and Economic Losses
The systems analyst warned that cyber-attacks continue to impose substantial costs on the Nigerian economy.
She noted that conventional security systems often struggle to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, making the integration of AI technologies more important than ever.
According to Popoola, AI can improve surveillance capabilities by detecting abnormal activities, recognising suspicious behavioural patterns and providing early warnings before attacks occur.
Such capabilities, she said, could support national efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure, financial institutions and sensitive government systems.
The expert argued that investment in AI-enhanced cybersecurity would not only strengthen security architecture but also help reduce economic losses associated with fraud, data breaches and cybercrime.
Balancing Innovation with Regulation
While advocating greater AI adoption, Popoola cautioned against viewing the technology as a standalone solution to national security challenges.
She stressed the importance of developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks to address concerns relating to privacy, data protection and ethical use of artificial intelligence.
According to her, policymakers must ensure that technological advancement is accompanied by safeguards capable of protecting citizens’ rights and preventing misuse.
She maintained that AI should complement existing security measures and human expertise rather than replace them entirely.
Tackling the Roots of Cybercrime
Popoola also linked the growing incidence of internet fraud among young Nigerians to broader socio-economic challenges.
She identified unemployment, poverty, inadequate financial literacy, peer pressure and difficult economic conditions as some of the major factors driving cybercrime.
To address the problem, she called for greater investment in youth development programmes, digital skills training and employment opportunities.
According to her, empowering young people with productive technological skills could help redirect talent toward innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth rather than criminal activity.
She argued that combining technological advancement with social investment would enable Nigeria to unlock the full benefits of artificial intelligence while reducing the risks associated with cybercrime and insecurity.
