AI Must Go Hand-in-Hand With Workers’ Protection, NSITF Boss Tells MSMEs

"African businesses embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) have to ensure that technological innovation is matched with robust workplace protection and social security for employees." Faleye Esq.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr. Oluwaseun Faleye, has urged African businesses embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure that technological innovation is matched with robust workplace protection and social security for employees.

Faleye made the call on Monday in Abuja while speaking as Special Guest at the launch of the ESBC–InnoPower LLC (USA) Free MSMEs AI Master Training Programme, held at the United Nations House.

The initiative, organised by the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC) in partnership with InnoPower LLC (USA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to equip micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across West Africa with AI-driven skills to enhance productivity, competitiveness and regional trade.

Addressing government officials, development partners and business leaders, Faleye described MSMEs as the backbone of Nigeria's economy, noting that according to data from SMEDAN and the National Bureau of Statistics, about 96 per cent of businesses in the country fall within the MSME category.

He said the training programme represented more than a capacity-building initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in the future competitiveness of West Africa.

While applauding the growing adoption of AI by businesses, the NSITF boss warned that technology alone cannot guarantee sustainable growth if the welfare and safety of workers are ignored.

According to him, digital transformation and workplace protection must go hand in hand, stressing that businesses that modernise operations without investing in the well-being of their workforce risk undermining their long-term resilience.

Faleye further noted that as enterprises expand across the ECOWAS region, there would be an increasing need for stronger occupational safety standards, workplace protection and social security systems. He reaffirmed NSITF's commitment to supporting businesses through improved partnerships, awareness campaigns and efficient service delivery.

He also commended the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition, InnoPower LLC and UNDP for collaborating to provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge and digital tools required to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

Charging participants to maximise the opportunity offered by the programme, Faleye urged them to embrace continuous learning and bold innovation while recognising that people remain the most valuable asset of any business.

"The enterprises that will shape Africa's future will not merely be those that adopt the latest technologies, but those that combine innovation with responsibility, ambition with resilience," he said.

The event attracted top dignitaries, including the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, representatives of UNDP Nigeria and the UNDP Regional Office for West and Central Africa, as well as officials of InnoPower LLC (USA) and the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition.

The Free MSMEs AI Master Training Programme is expected to be implemented across selected ECOWAS member states, equipping entrepreneurs with practical AI skills to improve production, marketing and cross-border trade.