Nigeria’s preparedness for the rapidly evolving global digital economy has come under renewed focus after the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, called for greater investment in science, technology and innovation. In a statement published on his official X account on Sunday, Sowore said the country must position itself to benefit from the Fourth Industrial Revolution or risk falling further behind other nations.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is marked by the integration of digital, biological and physical technologies, with advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, robotics and quantum computing reshaping economies, industries and labour markets around the world. Sowore argued that these developments present Nigeria with another opportunity to transform its economy through technology-led growth.
According to him, the country failed to capitalise on the first three industrial revolutions, leaving it largely dependent on technologies designed and produced elsewhere. He attributed that outcome to years of inadequate investment in education, research, innovation and technological development, as well as broader governance challenges.
Sowore said previous industrial revolutions fundamentally changed the way societies function, beginning with mechanisation powered by steam and water, followed by electricity-driven mass production and later digital automation. He maintained that the current wave of technological advancement is even more significant because of its potential to redefine productivity, economic competitiveness and the future of work.
The former presidential candidate stressed that Nigeria’s response to this global shift would depend on deliberate policy choices that place science, technology and human capital development at the centre of national planning. He argued that stronger institutions and sustained support for innovation are essential if the country is to compete effectively in a technology-driven world.
He also called for leadership that prioritises long-term investments in education and emerging technologies, warning that continued reliance on outdated approaches could widen Nigeria’s technological gap with more advanced economies. According to Sowore, embracing innovation is critical to creating opportunities for future generations and strengthening sustainable economic development.
Sowore concluded that the Fourth Industrial Revolution offers Nigeria a chance to reverse years of missed opportunities if decisive action is taken now. He urged the country to embrace the ongoing technological transformation, saying its future competitiveness will depend on how effectively it develops the skills, institutions and innovations required for the digital age.
