The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has dismissed fears that artificial intelligence poses a threat to job creation, describing the technology as a tool for enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.
The Chairman of MAN’s Corporate Affairs and Strategic Planning Committee, Kofo Akinkugbe, at MAN’s presidential media luncheon on Thursday in Lagos, emphasised the role of AI in streamlining operations and improving manufacturing outcomes.
“AI is not a threat to job creation. Instead, it is a benefit in terms of helping our processes, helping our machine learning, and helping us to plan better,” Akinkugbe explained.
Highlighting the advantages of AI, she noted that it enhances manufacturers’ overall equipment effectiveness and operational efficiency. “It helps us to cut out unnecessary critical processes. So, AI is a tool that we must adopt, and it is here to stay,” she added.
Akinkugbe urged manufacturers to embrace AI technology, invest in training, and integrate it into their operations to improve productivity on the factory floor.
“Manufacturers would adopt it, ensure that they are trained, and use AI to better improve the processes on the manufacturing floor,” she said.
The MANCASPC chairman further explained that AI adoption would not only benefit companies but also empower workers with new skills, making them more strategic in their roles.
“As the people get trained in AI, it helps those within the manufacturing sector to be a lot more skilled, a lot more strategic, and they can plan better,” Akinkugbe stated.
According to her, AI represents a significant opportunity for the manufacturing sector to remain competitive and responsive to global trends, all while creating new opportunities for workers.
