The Federal Government has called for the development of inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence policies that protect workers’ rights and prevent job losses while harnessing the technology’s potential to drive economic growth and productivity.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, made the call during the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, while responding to the report of the Chairperson of the Governing Body and the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, titled “A Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work,” on Thursday.

Dingyadi said the rapid advancement of AI is transforming labour markets, workplace practices and employment relationships globally, creating both opportunities and challenges for governments, employers and workers.

He noted that while AI can stimulate innovation, improve productivity and expand economic opportunities, it also poses significant risks, including job displacement, widening inequalities and the erosion of the human role in some sectors of the economy.

“The world is moving forward at a rapid pace, underpinned by advances in AI, and we as an organisation must match that pace. While welcoming the positive transformations AI offers, we are also pondering the uncertainties it connotes.

“These shifts, despite their benefits, also cast a dark cloud of uncertainty. Where AI creates new jobs, there may be job losses. Where digital and AI infrastructures are created, there may be a loss of the traditional role and value of the human factor in the work process. We therefore need a balanced approach that ensures that, while harnessing the benefits of AI, the attendant risks do not rob our societies of the gains of decent work,” he said.

The minister commended the ILO leadership for its commitment to advancing the organisation’s mandate despite mounting global economic and social challenges.

Highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to position itself within the rapidly evolving digital economy, Dingyadi said the Federal Government had established the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to spearhead policies aimed at accelerating technological development and strengthening the country’s competitiveness.

According to him, Nigeria has already begun integrating digital technologies and AI into governance systems through the automation of civil service processes and public service delivery.

“I’m also pleased to inform you that Nigeria is steadily harnessing the gains of this initiative in our Public Service. There is the service-wide automation of civil service processes and communication with AI playing a significant role. Additionally, platform work is gaining ground,” he said.

The minister also welcomed ongoing discussions within the ILO on regulating work in the platform economy, stressing the need for labour standards that protect workers engaged in emerging forms of employment created by digital technologies.

Beyond AI, Dingyadi reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for reforms within the ILO, urging member states to accelerate the ratification of the 1986 Amendment to the organisation’s Constitution and review the criteria used to determine countries of Chief Industrial Importance.

He argued that such reforms would promote greater inclusivity, fairness and regional representation within the ILO’s governance structures.

The minister further urged countries to align the ILO Centenary Declaration and the Global Coalition for Social Justice with national development priorities to ensure that technological innovation contributes to social progress and decent work.

Nigeria’s intervention comes amid growing global debate over the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and the future of work.

According to international labour and development agencies, AI is expected to automate some routine tasks while simultaneously creating new employment opportunities in technology, data science, digital services and other emerging sectors.

However, concerns persist that workers in administrative, clerical and repetitive occupations could face significant disruptions if governments fail to implement policies that support skills development, social protection and workforce transition.

The issue has become a central focus of discussions at the ongoing International Labour Conference, where governments, employers and workers’ representatives are examining how AI can be deployed in ways that promote productivity and economic growth without undermining labour rights, job security and social justice.

For Nigeria, the conversation is particularly significant as the country pursues an ambitious digital transformation agenda aimed at expanding broadband access, growing the digital economy and creating millions of technology-driven jobs for its youthful population.

Experts have repeatedly stressed that achieving these goals will require investments in digital skills, education and worker protections to ensure that the benefits of AI are broadly shared across society.

Telecommunications and digital solutions provider, Globacom, has introduced a new promotional data package known as “More Data More Value only on Glo”, aimed at enhancing the digital lifestyle of its customers across the country.

In line with the growing demand for internet connectivity in Nigeria’s increasingly data-driven economy, Globacom said the new offer reinforces its position as a customer-focused network by providing subscribers with over 10 percent additional data value on selected bundles.

According to a statement issued by the company in Lagos, the initiative was introduced to ensure that Nigerians derive maximum benefit from every Naira spent on data services, while continuing the company’s tradition of delivering affordable and value-packed telecommunications solutions.

The “More Data More Value” package features several weekly and monthly plans structured to support both daytime and nighttime browsing needs.Under the weekly category, the ₦1,000 plan offers subscribers a total of 3.7GB data, comprising 1.7GB regular data and an additional 2GB night browsing allocation.

Customers who opt for the ₦2,000 weekly package receive 9GB in total, broken into 6.5GB main data and 2.5GB for night usage.

For monthly subscribers, the ₦1,500 package provides a combined 5.2GB data volume, consisting of 2.2GB regular data and 3GB night allocation. The ₦2,000 monthly option comes with 6.25GB in total, including 3.25GB main data and 3GB night data.

Subscribers choosing the ₦5,000 monthly plan receive 16.5GB altogether, made up of 14.5GB main data and 2GB night browsing bonus. Higher-end packages are also available, including the ₦10,000 option which delivers 42GB total data volume — 38GB main data plus 4GB night data — while the ₦15,000 package provides 64GB in total, comprising 62GB regular data and 2GB night allocation.

Globacom noted that the enhanced data bundles are designed to support the increasing digital needs of students, entrepreneurs, remote workers, gamers, and social media enthusiasts who require uninterrupted connectivity for streaming, online meetings, content creation, gaming, and social interaction on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

The company added that the offer is equally beneficial to households and small businesses that depend heavily on mobile internet and hotspot connectivity for daily operations.

By increasing data value across its packages, Glo which aims to position itself as the preferred network for high-volume data users further disclosed that the offer aligns with its broader digital transformation strategy through the Glo Café app, which enables customers to subscribe to bundles conveniently and manage their bonus data seamlessly for a more rewarding user experience.

According to the company, the “More Data More Value” proposition reflects its commitment to delivering superior value and ensuring that Nigerians continue to enjoy reliable and affordable digital services without compromising their online lifestyle.

China Industrial Bank (CIB) has thrown its support behind the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP), a large-scale infrastructure plan designed to extend connectivity to more than 20 million Nigerians in underserved communities.

The announcement was made by the minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, following a meeting in Abuja with a CIB delegation led by Peng Shuang, general manager of the Strategic Emerging Industries Business Headquarters.

Under NUCAP, the Federal Government plans to deploy 3,700 telecommunications towers nationwide, targeting rural, riverine and hard-to-reach areas where access to reliable network coverage remains limited or non-existent.

The initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader digital inclusion strategy aimed at expanding access to communication infrastructure and unlocking economic opportunities.

Tijani disclosed that CIB has committed to supporting the delivery of at least 1,000 telecom tower sites before the end of the year, describing the partnership as a major milestone in accelerating nationwide connectivity.

According to him, the project represents a “green” telecommunications network designed to ensure sustainable expansion of digital infrastructure while bridging long-standing access gaps in remote communities.

He also noted that CIB’s involvement marks the bank’s first investment in Nigeria, reflecting growing international confidence in the country’s digital economy reform agenda.

NUCAP builds on earlier federal plans to construct up to 7,000 telecom towers across rural Nigeria, an initiative already approved by the Federal Executive Council as part of efforts to strengthen national connectivity infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission has said telecom operators have pledged to upgrade 12,000 network sites in 2026, including the migration of legacy 2G and 3G infrastructure to more advanced 4G and 5G systems.

Officials say the combined public and private sector investments are expected to significantly improve network quality, expand broadband access and support Nigeria’s long-term digital transformation goals.