Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged human resource professionals to take a leading role in preparing Nigeria’s workforce for the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) economy, stressing that the future of work will depend on continuous learning, digital skills, and innovation. Speaking at a professional gathering, the governor said organisations must begin investing in talent development, workforce reskilling, and leadership training to ensure employees remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven global economy. He noted that artificial intelligence is transforming industries such as finance, healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics, media, and public administration, creating new opportunities while changing traditional job roles. According to Sanwo-Olu, human resource professionals have a strategic responsibility to identify future workplace needs, develop adaptable employees, and build organisational cultures that encourage creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning. He emphasised that businesses should embrace digital transformation while ensuring workers are equipped with the knowledge required to work effectively alongside emerging technologies. The governor also encouraged stronger partnerships between government, educational institutions, technology companies, and the private sector to improve access to quality training and expand digital literacy across the country. Industry experts observed that artificial intelligence is expected to reshape labour markets by increasing demand for technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills while automating repetitive tasks. They stressed that proactive workforce development, policy support, and investment in education will be essential to ensuring Nigeria remains competitive in the global digital economy. Human resource practitioners welcomed the governor’s remarks, noting that strategic talent management and continuous professional development will play a critical role in helping organisations adapt to technological change. The call reflects growing recognition of the need to prepare Nigeria’s workforce for the opportunities and challenges of the AI era through innovation, education, collaboration, and sustainable investment in human capital.
