Nigeria, Google Move to Formalise Strategic Digital Partnership
Oru Leonard
Abuja, February 24, 2026: The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs has held high-level talks with Charles Murito, Regional Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy (Sub-Saharan Africa) at Google, as both parties advance discussions toward a structured Nigeria–Google strategic partnership.
The meeting, held in Abuja on Tuesday, builds on earlier engagements between the Minister and Google representatives during talks in Davos, where initial discussions centered on expanding collaboration in digital innovation and governance.
According to a statement from the Ministry, discussions focused on deepening long-term cooperation beyond digital infrastructure projects. Both sides explored pathways for more sustainable institutional partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities and broader digital transformation agenda.
A key highlight of the meeting was the push to institutionalise artificial intelligence (AI) skills development within the Ministry. The parties examined frameworks for structured AI capacity-building initiatives, including targeted technical support for the Ministry’s AI Unit.
The initiative aims to build local expertise, promote knowledge exchange, and integrate AI tools into diplomatic operations and policymaking processes.
The talks also addressed strengthening information integrity and democratic resilience under the Regional Partnership for Democracy. Discussions included the potential deployment of AI-powered anticipatory tools to combat disinformation, enhance early warning systems, and support evidence-based decision-making.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to responsible innovation, democratic values, and regional stability. Technical teams are expected to continue engagements to define clear, actionable outcomes at the intersection of AI, governance, and regional peace and security.
The Ministry expressed optimism that the partnership would translate into measurable initiatives reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in digital diplomacy and regional cooperation.
(MFA Press)
