AI and Automation: A Threat or an Opportunity for Nigeria?

AI and Automation: A Threat or an Opportunity for Nigeria?

AI and automation are presently perceived as a double-edged sword. Although they offer numerous benefits, they also pose a potential threat to jobs in various industries. Nigeria is no exception, as many individuals worry about the impact of these technologies on the country’s workforce.

Building on the previous article, I started to explain why we don’t have to use every technology, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing human creativity over unbridled technology. This article delves into the current state of AI and automation in Nigeria, further painting a full picture of the effect of Artificial intelligence in Nigeria, pinpointing the specific jobs at risk while exploring the crucial opportunities for skill development that can help individuals navigate this technological revolution.

The Current State of AI and Automation in Nigeria

Nigeria is just beginning to embrace artificial intelligence (AI). For example, OAL on Artificial Intelligence (AI) And AI Attacks In Nigeria states that companies like Data Science Nigeria are training over 10,000 AI specialists in Nigeria, and Helium Health is using AI to manage electronic health records, automate clinical workflows, and provide telemedicine services.

However, some challenges come with the advent of AI technology. Nigeria’s technology and skilled workforce are limited. A third of Nigerians are unemployed, with around 33.3% (23.2 million) out of approximately 70 million people should be working as of 2022, and AI could worsen this problem, especially for young people.

A third of Nigerians are unemployed.

Globally, AI has significant benefits but risks similar to the disruptions caused by scientific breakthroughs such as nuclear technology. Nigeria needs to be prepared for both.

There’s a push to use AI in important areas like healthcare, education, and finance in Africa, including Nigeria. But there are hurdles, like a lack of data, skilled professionals, and technology access for everyone.

Security is a concern too. AI could be misused, leading to job losses and advanced cyberattacks. This is why Nigeria needs to invest in research, ethical regulations, education, and creating AI-related job opportunities.

Considering Nigeria’s economic and political situation, the country is certainly not ready for the new age of artificial intelligence, and Nigeria’s preparedness needs to improve soon. We must understand that making the most of AI while handling challenges responsibly depends on businesses and individuals working together, not just the government.

A crucial first step is identifying what careers will likely be replaced by AI. This understanding will help Nigeria prepare, create effective rules, and build an ecosystem where AI benefits are maximized, and challenges are addressed.

Threats: Jobs at Risk in Nigeria

Several job categories in Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to the disruptive forces of AI and automation. It’s crucial to acknowledge these threats to prepare for a sustainable transition. Here’s a detailed list of jobs that can be replaced by AI:

1. Data Entry Clerk: AI, utilizing OCR software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat) and data extraction apps (e.g., UiPath), processes and analyses data at a faster rate than manual entry. This reduces errors, increases efficiency, and allows data entry clerks to focus on more complex tasks.
2. Telemarketer: AI-powered chatbots (e.g., Intercom) handle customer interactions and queries more efficiently. This leaves telemarketers more time to focus on strategic sales development, personalized customer service, and building strong client relationships.
3. Factory Worker: Automation and robotics (e.g., KUKA robots) streamline manufacturing processes, enhancing efficiency. Factory workers can transition into robotics maintenance, quality control, or logistics management roles, capitalizing on advanced technology.
4. Cashier: Self-checkout systems and mobile payment apps (e.g., Scan and Go) simplify the cashier’s role, allowing human cashiers to provide more personalized experiences and assist customers more attentively.
5. Driver: AI-powered self-driving cars, like Tesla’s Autopilot, optimize routes and match passengers efficiently. As a result, human drivers can transition into managing fleets, coordinating logistics, or contributing to developing autonomous vehicle technologies.
6. Travel Agent: AI algorithms (e.g., IBM Watson) reshape travel planning by processing vast data. However, human travel agents provide personalized recommendations, handle unforeseen circumstances, and understand cultural nuances, creating a unique experience for travelers.
7. Bank Teller: Online banking and AI-driven tools automate routine bank teller tasks. Bank tellers can upskill in financial analysis, strategic consulting, and managing AI-driven systems (e.g., JPMorgan’s COIN), leading to more customer value-added services.
8. Accountant: AI automates specific accounting tasks (e.g., QuickBooks), allowing accountants to focus on financial analysis, strategic consulting, and managing AI-driven systems (e.g., IBM Cognos), leading to more insightful financial guidance for clients.
9. Customer Support Representative: AI chatbots (e.g., Zendesk AI) handle routine inquiries, freeing support representatives to focus on complex, empathetic interactions such as customer success management, building better customer relationships, and addressing more complex issues.
10. Paralegal: AI legal research tools (e.g., ROSS) streamline information gathering, allowing paralegals to focus on developing case strategy, client communication, or handling legal matters where human judgment is crucial.
11. Radiologist: AI-powered diagnostic tools (e.g., Aidoc) assist radiologists in interpreting medical images, enabling them to focus on complex cases, patient consultations, or specialized areas of radiology.
12. Librarian: AI search engines and digital libraries (e.g., Google Scholar) change information access, but librarians remain essential for curating collections, providing research guidance, and organizing data, ensuring accurate, relevant resources for users.
13. Market Research Analysts: AI automates data collection and analysis (e.g., SurveyMonkey AI). Analysts can interpret insights, develop recommendations, and adapt to changing technologies, focusing on deriving meaningful insights from the data.
14. News reporters and Journalists: harness the power of AI algorithms to enhance their work. AI-generated news stories, such as those created by Automated Insights’ Wordsmith or based on data analysis from tools like Tableau, provide valuable insights.

However, human news reporters and journalists go beyond generating news by using AI-generated insights for investigative reporting, maintaining originality, and emphasizing critical thinking in their storytelling. This combination ensures high-quality news content that benefits from the efficiency of AI while delivering the human touch and expertise that adds depth and perspective to the reporting.

15. Retail Salesperson: AI enhances the retail experience through AI-powered sales analytics and inventory management. Retail salespersons can specialize in product knowledge, customer relationships, and visual merchandising, enhancing the shopping experience.

16. Stock Trader: AI algorithms assist in algorithmic trading (e.g., AlgoTrader) and investment decisions, freeing up stock traders to focus on market analysis, risk management, and strategic portfolio management decisions.

17. Human Resources Administrator and Recruiter: AI streamlines administrative HR tasks through tools like Workday and LinkedIn’s AI, enabling administrators to focus on talent acquisition, employee development, and strategic planning. The c between AI and human expertise enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the HR process, ensuring the right talent is acquired and nurtured for organizational growth.

18. Translator: AI-powered translation tools (e.g., Google Translate) assist human translators with cultural adaptation and nuanced understanding, improving translation efficiency but still relying on human translators for contextual accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

19. Entry-Level Programming, Data Analysis, and Web Development Roles: AI automates basic tasks while humans tackle complex problems using tools like GitHub. This ensures efficient coding and data handling, but human creativity and problem-solving skills remain essential for developing intricate software and systems.

20. Social Media Manager: AI automates scheduling and data analysis (e.g., Hootsuite AI), allowing managers to focus on content strategies, audience engagement, and crisis management, creating a more effective social media presence.

21. Entry-level Graphic Designer: AI aids in design generation (e.g., Canva’s AI Design Assistant), but human designers bring creativity, originality, and artistic judgment to create visually appealing designs, ensuring the uniqueness and emotional appeal of the final product.

22. Proofreader, Copywriter, Entry-level writing: AI tools like Grammarly assist in detecting errors, but professional proofreaders ensure contextual understanding, critical analysis, and domain expertise to produce flawless content.

Grammarly AI

Meanwhile, entry-level writers benefit from AI automation in basic tasks, such as using OpenAI’s GPT-3 for assistance, allowing them to focus on developing original, engaging content, conducting research, and delivering a uniquely human perspective.

Similarly, AI-generated content from tools like CopyAI exists, but human copywriters excel in crafting compelling narratives, understanding target audiences, and evoking emotions that AI-generated content lacks, resulting in higher-quality, more engaging written materials.

23. Administrative Support: AI automates tasks (e.g., Microsoft Office’s AI features) while human professionals handle complex problem-solving, adapt to unforeseen challenges, and provide personalized assistance, ensuring efficient office management while maintaining a human touch.

24. Bookkeeper: AI automates accounting tasks (e.g., Xero), allowing bookkeepers to focus on financial analysis, strategic consulting, or managing AI-driven systems, ensuring accurate financial reporting and in-depth client analysis.

25. Appointment Scheduler: AI streamlines scheduling tasks (e.g., Calendly), but human schedulers handle complex scenarios, prioritize urgent matters, and understand the context of appointments, ensuring efficient time management while considering unique circumstances.

26. Virtual Assistant: AI-powered virtual assistants handle routine tasks (e.g., Siri, Alexa), but human virtual assistants excel in empathy, adaptability, and managing non-standard situations, providing personalized and flexible assistance to users.

27. Transcriptionist: AI-based transcription tools (e.g., Otter) assist in converting speech to text, enhancing efficiency. Human transcriptionists ensure accurate transcription for complex audio, maintaining quality in transcription services.

28. Tutor: AI-powered educational platforms (e.g., Coursera’s AI-driven recommendations) assist in delivering content, but human tutors provide personalized guidance, adapt to individual learning styles, and offer mentorship, ensuring a tailored learning experience for students.

29. Technical Support Analyst: AI-powered chatbots (e.g., Freshdesk’s AI chatbots) handle routine inquiries, while technical support analysts troubleshoot complex issues and provide in-depth solutions, ensuring efficient customer support for intricate technical problems.

30. Email Marketer: AI optimizes email campaigns (e.g., Sendinblue’s AI algorithms), but human email marketers create compelling content, understand audience preferences, and tailor messages, delivering engaging and personalized emails that resonate with recipients.

31. Content Moderator: AI assists in identifying inappropriate content (e.g., Perspective API), but human content moderators apply nuanced judgment, handle cultural sensitivities, and manage complex cases, ensuring safe and respectful online communities through comprehensive moderation.

Final Thought

I have discussed the threats, but it is essential to recognize that AI can also create opportunities, and my focus will shift to the opportunities aspect in the subsequent article. Listing prospective career paths that AI is set to create and discussing the importance of upskilling and reskilling for these new career opportunities.

Remember to follow my page (@debralawal) for more on tech trends in Nigeria. And if you have any thoughts or questions, share them in the comments section below. Thank you for your time!

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