NIGERIA LAUNCHES AI-POWERED ‘SERVICE-WISE GPT’ TO MODERNIZE PUBLIC SERVICE

By Epiphanus Obia
Nigeria has introduced Service-Wise GPT, an AI-powered tool designed to enhance efficiency in public service. Unveiled at the Global Government Summit, the tool aims to streamline access to government information, automate policy drafting, and improve administrative workflows. Early trials have shown a 73% improvement in time efficiency and a 90% satisfaction rate among users.
Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Nigeria’s Head of Civil Service, stated that Service-Wise GPT will help government workers interact more effectively with regulations and guidelines. The AI assistant provides real-time access to public service regulations, statutory instruments, and operational guidelines, simplifying tasks for government employees.
The launch of Service-Wise GPT is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to adopt artificial intelligence in governance. In 2024, the government, in collaboration with Google, established a ₦100 million fund to support AI-powered startups. Nigerian-born AI scientists have also contributed to the development of the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which seeks to position Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation.
Nigeria’s AI initiatives align with the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy, which emphasizes responsible AI development and regional cooperation. Globally, governments are increasingly exploring AI tools to improve public service delivery.
Nigeria’s public sector has faced challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and delays in service delivery. Service-Wise GPT aims to address these issues by automating routine tasks like memo creation and policy analysis. The Brookings Institution has highlighted the importance of addressing privacy, security, and transparency concerns as governments adopt AI tools, considerations that are expected to play a key role in the implementation of Service-Wise GPT.these issues by automating routine tasks like memo creation and policy analysis. The Brookings Institution has highlighted the importance of addressing privacy, security, and transparency concerns as governments adopt AI tools, considerations that are expected to play a key role in the implementation of Service-Wise GPT.