When most people hear the word “Artificial Intelligence (AI),” they often think of futuristic robots or science fiction movies. However, AI is not something that will arrive in 2050; it has been here, quietly shaping our daily lives, since the 1930s. From mobile banking apps that spot fraud to WhatsApp chatbots that answer customer questions, AI is at work in the background.
To fully understand where we are and where we are going, it helps to know the three main types of AI: narrow AI, general AI, and superintelligence. Each one represents a stage in the journey from simple problem-solving machines to systems that might one day outthink humans.
Narrow AI: The specialist worker
This is the AI we live with today. Also known as “Weak AI”, Narrow AI is designed to excel in a specific task. Think of it like a skilled tailor in Balogun market who can sew perfect agbadas but can’t bake bread.
Narrow AI is everywhere in Nigeria:
When a Nigerian bank uses AI to detect fraudulent transactions, that’s narrow AI.
When Netflix or YouTube recommends the next movie, that’s Narrow AI.
When an e-commerce app suggests products based on your browsing history, that’s Narrow AI at work.
It is narrow because it is highly focused. A chatbot trained to answer customer service questions can’t suddenly predict traffic in Lagos. Its power lies in precision, but its limitation is that it cannot “think” outside its specific task.
For Nigerian organisations, narrow AI is the most practical and affordable today. It automates repetitive tasks, reduces costs, and improves efficiency. Whether it’s agriculture, fintech, or logistics, narrow AI is already helping businesses operate more efficiently.
“Whether it’s agriculture, fintech, or logistics, narrow AI is already helping businesses operate more efficiently.”
General AI: The all-rounder
Now imagine an AI that can switch between tasks as easily as a Nigerian mother multitasking at home: cooking, managing the children’s school fees, negotiating at the market, and running a side business, all at once.
That is the concept of General AI (also known as Strong AI). It would be able to learn and apply intelligence across different areas, just like humans do. If you asked a general AI to design a marketing campaign, prepare a business pitch, and diagnose an illness, it could adapt and deliver on each.
General AI doesn’t exist yet. Data scientists and AI experts are working toward it, but for now, it remains a dream.
Why should Nigerian leaders care? Because when general AI arrives, it could transform industries. Imagine hospitals in Abuja where AI doctors can handle any medical condition, or schools in Kano where AI tutors adapt instantly to each child’s learning style.
We are not there yet, but businesses should start preparing their systems and staff for a future where AI is not just a tool but a thinking partner.
Superintelligence: Beyond human brilliance
The third type is superintelligence. AI that surpasses human intelligence altogether. This is where things get both exciting and scary.
Superintelligence would not just mimic human intelligence; it would overtake it in every way, including problem-solving, creativity, and decision-making. Imagine an AI that can design a cure for malaria in one week or create financial models that make today’s banking systems look outdated.
The big challenge is whether such intelligence will serve humanity or control it. This is why global leaders from North America, Europe, China, and Africa are debating the governance, ethics, and safety of AI.
For Nigeria, the conversation is urgent. We cannot afford to be passive observers when these shifts happen. We must be part of shaping how AI is developed and used. Policies, local research, and education are key.
Implications for Nigerian businesses
For business leaders, understanding these three stages of AI is not about theory. It is about strategy.
Narrow AI is here now. Companies should adopt it immediately to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and unlock new revenue streams.
General AI is coming. Leaders should prepare by investing in digital infrastructure and training their workforce.
Superintelligence is the unknown. We must engage in policy and ethical debates to ensure our sovereign interests are protected when it arrives.
Final word
AI is not magic; it is a journey. From today’s narrow systems to tomorrow’s general and superintelligent machines, the AI story is unravelling daily.
For Nigeria, this is not just about technology; it is about an unusual opportunity. Just as mobile banking reshaped our financial system, AI can reshape healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance. But only if we act with courage and vision.
Ultimately, AI will not wait for Nigeria. The real question is whether Nigeria’s businesses and leaders are ready to lead in this new age or be left behind.
Dotun Adeoye is a seasoned technology strategist and AI innovation leader with over 30 years of global experience across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. He is the co-founder of AI in Nigeria.
