The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have warned that artificial intelligence could worsen the jobs crisis in Nigeria and other developing economies if governments fail to prepare workers and use the technology to create employment.
The warning came during the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 12, 2026. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said AI could affect about 40% of jobs globally, while World Bank President Ajay Banga stressed the need to use the technology to support job creation rather than simply replace workers.
For Nigeria, where many young people are seeking work, the concern is not only that AI could automate certain tasks. It is also that the country could fall behind economies that are better prepared to use the technology.
Why AI Could Deepen Nigeria’s Employment Challenge
The AI jobs crisis in Nigeria could develop if businesses adopt automation faster than workers can learn new skills or find alternative employment. Tasks involving routine writing, customer support, data entry and basic administrative work are among the areas where AI tools can already assist or replace parts of human work.
Young people entering the labour market may face particular pressure. If companies use AI to handle tasks previously assigned to junior staff, entry-level workers could find it harder to gain the experience needed to progress in their careers.
However, this does not mean that 40% of Nigerian workers will lose their jobs. The IMF’s global estimate includes jobs that could be changed or supported by AI, as well as those that could be downgraded or eliminated.
World Bank Sees Opportunities In Affordable AI
The World Bank is also warning against treating AI only as a threat. Banga has promoted the use of practical, affordable tools that address local problems instead of relying entirely on expensive systems requiring major computing infrastructure.
For example, farmers could use AI tools to identify crop diseases, while healthcare workers could receive support in assessing patients. Schools and small businesses could also use suitable tools to improve productivity and reach more people.
The World Bank’s 2026 report estimates that 4.5% of existing jobs in low- and middle-income countries are at risk of automation from generative AI. At the same time, it estimates that 16.2% of jobs in these economies could benefit from improved productivity.
What Nigeria Needs To Do Next
Nigeria’s ability to benefit from AI will depend on more than access to software. Reliable electricity, affordable internet, digital skills and relevant education will all influence how widely businesses and workers can use the technology.
Government, schools and employers will need to invest in training that helps people work effectively with AI. Businesses must also identify where the technology can improve services and create new opportunities, rather than adopting it simply to reduce staff costs.
For Nigerian workers, learning to use AI alongside existing professional skills could become increasingly valuable. For policymakers, the challenge is to ensure that productivity gains translate into better jobs and wider economic opportunities.
AI is likely to change how many people work. Whether that change creates more opportunities or widens Nigeria’s employment gap will depend on the decisions made now.
