The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has urged Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) while prioritising workplace safety and social protection, as a free AI training programme for businesses was launched on Monday.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of NSITF, Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, made the call during the launch of the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC)-InnoPower LLC (USA) Free MSMEs AI Master Training Programme. The initiative, organised by ESBC, InnoPower LLC (USA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to equip entrepreneurs with AI skills to improve productivity, competitiveness and regional trade.
Speaking at the event, Faleye described MSMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and a major contributor to employment.
He said data from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that MSMEs account for about 96 per cent of businesses in the country.
“When MSMEs grow, communities prosper. When they innovate, economies become more competitive. And when they become more resilient, nations become stronger,” he said.
Faleye described the training programme as more than a capacity-building initiative, saying it was an investment in the future competitiveness of businesses across West Africa.
However, he stressed that technology alone could not guarantee sustainable business growth, adding that AI adoption must go hand in hand with worker welfare and occupational safety.
“Digital transformation and workplace protection are not separate conversations; they are the same conversation,” he said.
According to him, technology enables businesses to work smarter, while social protection gives workers the confidence and security to perform their duties effectively.
He said businesses expanding across the ECOWAS region would require stronger systems for occupational safety, workplace protection and social security.
Faleye reaffirmed NSITF’s commitment to supporting businesses through stronger partnerships, increased awareness and improved service delivery as enterprises adapt to technological changes.
He commended ESBC, InnoPower LLC (USA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for bringing together government, the private sector and development partners to prepare entrepreneurs for the digital economy.
The NSITF boss urged participants to continue acquiring new skills, embrace innovation and recognise workers as critical assets to the sustainability of their businesses.
“Your greatest asset will always be your people. Protect them. Invest in them,” he said.
He also urged entrepreneurs to combine ambition with responsibility and resilience.
According to him, enterprises that combine technological innovation with responsible business practices will be better positioned to contribute to Africa’s economic transformation.
The Free MSMEs AI Master Training Programme will run across selected ECOWAS member states, targeting business owners seeking to use AI for production, marketing and regional trade.
