With the global economy shifting rapidly towards AI integration, ICIT Solutions, a technology enabler and Microsoft partner, has called for increased investment in artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The tech firm noted that empowering local businesses with AI tools was critical to boosting productivity, enhancing competitiveness and securing long-term economic growth in Africa’s largest economy.
According to the World Bank, MSMEs in Nigeria contribute over 48 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Yet, approximately 90 per cent operate without access to essential digital tools.
In a fast-evolving AI-driven landscape, ICIT warned that neglecting automation could widen the productivity gap and leave Nigerian businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
Speaking on Arise News’ NewsDay programme, CEO of ICIT Solutions, Kamar Oyenuga, stressed that digital transformation is no longer optional but essential for survival in today’s global marketplace.
He said: “Our businesses are competing against the global market. If our small businesses aren’t leveraging AI and automation, the rest of the world is – and they will be eating our lunch. These tools are not just for the big players anymore. With the right support, MSMEs can now access the same intelligent solutions as Odoo to automate repetitive tasks, free up time and focus on innovation.”
ICIT Solutions is actively deploying affordable and scalable AI tools for small businesses across Nigeria. From automating customer service and inventory systems to leveraging predictive analytics and workflow optimisation, ICIT enables even the smallest ventures to operate with the efficiency and agility of multinational corporations, at a fraction of the cost.
“We have helped clients automate operations for as little as N20,000 per month – the cost of a single employee – but with 24/7 performance and zero downtime. The real challenge is not the cost; it is the mindset. Digital literacy must be central to Nigeria’s upskilling agenda, and AI should be embedded into every entrepreneur’s growth plan,” Oyenuga added.
