Application of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science whereby machines, especially computer systems, simulates human intelligence processes, hence performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. In other words, systems or machines that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks and can iteratively improve themselves based on the information they collect.

General applications of AI

Artificial intelligence ranges from simple, smart assistance functions on mobile devices and word processors, e.g. Siri, Alexa, auto-correct, conversational bots, and email spam filters, to complex robotics, e.g. Self-driving cars, robot-advisors.

Here are some examples of AI applications in a various industries as compiled by TechTarget.

Banking – AI is used for loan decision-making and managing credit limits. Typical usages are AI chatbots and virtual assistants to provide information on services and respond to customer queries that do not need human intervention.

Transportation & logistics – Most people may have heard about self-drive vehicles. Beyond this, AI is used to simulate flight delays, improve shipping and manage traffic. Others are vehicle registration plate recognition, vehicle inspection etc.

Education – for AI tutoring, grading automation, and students’ assessment to optimise their learning and improve how knowledge is delivered.

Security – Integration with security devices to identify suspicious activities that indicate threats. Provides alerts about new and emerging threats and is used for cyber security.

Finance – Providing financial advice, aid house purchase and stock trading when equipped with personal data.

Manufacturing – Typically, robots perform tasks or multitask alongside humans in warehouses, workshops, factory floors, etc.

Healthcare – Patient outcomes improvement and cost reduction via better and faster diagnoses. Online virtual health assistants and chatbots can help patients and healthcare customers find medical information, schedule appointments, understand the billing process and complete other administrative functions.

Business – Common usage integrates customer relationship management (CRM) systems for efficient customer service. Others are job vacancies and application automation.

Law – Automation of labour-intensive review of documents, thereby saving time and improving client service. Use of AI to predict outcomes, information classification and extraction etc.

Examples of AI applications in Nigeria

AI in Nigeria is an emerging digital technology leveraging the country’s digital evolution. AI is gaining ground and gradually being embraced by various industries. Industries such as health, education, entertainment, travel and tours, communication, agriculture etc., have witnessed a fair amount of development because of the integration of AI in one or more of their processes.

AI technologies have been applied to many sectors and industries in Nigeria. AI is currently being tested and used in the healthcare industry for drug dosing and suggesting different treatments in agriculture, precision farming, amongst others, in the financial sectors, etc.

AI in the Finance

In Nigeria, AI is most popular in the banking industry, where it is used to establish a programmed line of communication with customers for complaints and enquiries. AI is also used to detect discrepancies in banking activities such as debit card usage and large deposits, which also assist the fraud team in tracking defaulters. Some of these AI include;

LEO by United Bank for Africa: An AI virtual assistant by UBA, Nigeria. It is a mobile banking chatting platform used for most customer requests, complaints, and inquiries, such as paying bills, checking balances, and instant responses.

ADA by Diamond Bank: An AI-powered chatbot used to respond to customers’ complaints and enquiries. This AI assistant has dramatically reduced the number of customers visiting banks.

SAMI by Stanbic IBTC bank: SAMI is another artificial intelligence used by Stanbic bank to resolve customers’ banking problems. It is available on social platforms like telegram and WhatsApp.

ZiVA by Zenith Bank: Zenith Intelligent Virtual Assistant (ZiVA)  is a  personal banking assistant for the bank’s users for customer-related banking issues. It is available on WhatsApp.

AI In Fashion

TouchABL: TouchABL is an artificial intelligence developed to assist anyone who shops for fashion items by touching pictures or snapping them. The AI solution is helping tailors in Aba find exact textile materials for their work by snapping sample materials; the AI tells you where you can get the fabrics in Nigeria. TouchABL is founded by Chukwuemeka Ihedoro, Gabriel Eze and Peter Chibunna

AI in Mapping

LARA.ng: LARA.ng is a mapping AI system that helps users get from one place to another by giving step by step directions and estimating the transport fare from their current location to their destination. The AI built its communication system on WhatsApp. LARA is founded by Sam Odeloye, Nnamdi Nwanze and Ladi Ojora.

AI in Security

Carbon Emission Tracker Drone (CETD): Aerial surveillance to detect criminals. CETD can detect carbon emitted during human activity and utilises the geo-spatial intelligence technology capable of scanning landmass, forests, game reserves and other uninhabited spaces to detect and arrest criminal activities. Dr Olusola Ayoola, the founder of Robotic and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), an Artificial Intelligence firm, developed the CETD.

Conclusion

The above are some examples of developed AI in Nigeria; it is worth noting that while some industries have not developed a complete AI system, some of their technologies are using simple AI algorithms to operate, but it is anticipated that more enterprises will incorporate AI into their system and processes shortly.

 _____________________________________________________________

Copyright © Akingate. All Rights Reserved.

See our copyright notice.

Image Credit: Robot brain vector created by iuriimotov – www.freepik.com