(DDM) – A rising Nigerian technology executive has ignited new conversations about the future of work after revealing that his company replaced a planned recruitment of 100 workers with a fully integrated artificial intelligence system.
Diaspora Digital Media DDM gathered that the CEO, a Babcock University graduate who now leads one of the country’s fastest-growing digital firms, described AI as the single most efficient transformation tool he has ever deployed in his organization.
He explained that the company initially budgeted for a large workforce expansion, projecting millions of naira in payroll expenses, training costs, office facilities, and long-term operational overhead.
He said the discovery of a scalable AI knowledge system immediately changed the financial outlook, demonstrating that automation could achieve the same output with near-zero error rates and faster delivery.
The CEO noted that the decision was not simply about cutting costs but about building a model that allows Nigerian companies to compete globally.
He revealed that the AI system now handles customer engagement, data analysis, onboarding, internal documentation, and key decision-support functions previously reserved for human staff.
According to him, the platform operates around the clock, learns continuously, and generates new operational templates based on real-time feedback.
Industry watchers say his story highlights a rapidly expanding trend among Nigerian startups and mid-size companies adapting AI solutions to replace traditional workforce systems.
Technology analysts argue that the shift mirrors global patterns as businesses turn to automation to solve rising operational costs, talent scarcity, and the need for faster execution cycles.
The CEO’s journey from Babcock to corporate boardrooms also resonates with young Nigerians who see technology as the most reliable path to economic mobility.
The rise of AI adoption in Nigeria has been accelerated by improved cloud infrastructure, cheaper computing power, and global investment in African tech ecosystems.
However, analysts warn that the transition also poses significant threats to employment, especially in administrative, clerical, and junior-level roles.
Labour experts caution that while AI may boost efficiency, it could widen unemployment if the government fails to implement policies supporting digital upskilling.
Educational institutions across the country are also under pressure to redesign curricula to meet the demands of an AI-driven economy.
The CEO insists that his decision should not be viewed as an attack on human labour but as a necessary evolution for any company hoping to survive the next decade.
He added that the firm still employs humans in strategic and creative roles where emotional intelligence, leadership, and cultural alignment remain vital.
He called on Nigerian youths to embrace AI early, study digital systems, and build skills that cannot be automated.
He further urged regulators to create frameworks that support innovation without slowing down technological advancement.
Experts believe that the Nigerian economy could unlock billions of dollars in value if more companies adopt responsible AI integration.
They also predict that firms that delay automation risk losing competitiveness in a global market driven by speed, accuracy, and low-cost execution.
The CEO’s testimony continues to generate intense debate online, with many praising the efficiency gains while others question how Nigeria will manage workforce displacement.
For now, his story stands as one of the most compelling examples of how Nigerian leadership is beginning to redefine productivity in the age of artificial intelligence.
