Nigeria launches GovGuide Nigeria AI chatbot for public info access

The Nigerian government has launched a new artificial intelligence platform designed to provide citizens with simplified access to information across federal ministries and agencies. The platform, called GovGuide Nigeria, was announced on Thursday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

GovGuide Nigeria is an AI-powered chatbot that operates on WhatsApp and a web interface. It supports communication in English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, aiming to bridge language and information gaps. Officials said the platform provides information on services from more than 35 federal ministries and over 60 government agencies, allowing users to ask questions in plain language.

The initiative is a collaboration between the federal government, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, the technology company Meta, and the local firm Publica AI. Minister Tijani stated the project reflects a commitment to ensuring technology works for all Nigerians, particularly underserved and low-literacy communities. He described it as an example of what is possible when the government, private sector, and local innovators collaborate.