Nigeria is engaging global technology companies to strengthen the application of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity ahead of the 2027 polls.
Among the companies the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has engaged in recent days are Google and Microsoft.
Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, chairman of INEC, led a delegation to the just-concluded Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections in Ottawa, Canada.
Dr Lawrence Bayode, director of information and communication technology at INEC, was part of the delegation.
They met David Lopez, Google’s global lead for civic responsibility, to examine the opportunities and challenges of AI in electoral processes.
The delegation met Microsoft executives Ethan Chumley, emerging tech and cyber lead, and Ariana Molina, programme manager, to discuss areas of mutual interest in emerging technologies, cybersecurity and responsible AI, particularly as they relate to strengthening the resilience and security of electoral processes.
“The engagements reflect INEC’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading technology and electoral institutions as the commission continues to strengthen its institutional capacity and explore innovative approaches to addressing emerging technological opportunities and risks in the electoral environment,” INEC stated after the engagement.
INEC noted that the meetings with Google and Microsoft, in addition to one with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, underscore the importance of sustained international collaboration as the electoral body continues to strengthen the security, resilience, transparency and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the elections.
Africa’s largest nation by population, with an estimated 242 million people, is preparing for elections in January and February 2027.
With 93 million registered voters, Nigeria’s election is among the world’s largest electoral exercises.
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