HR proffessionals in Nigeria are being called to step up and drive AI adoption to boost productivity and make the country’s economy more competitive globally. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is a professional body for HR and people development professionals.

                Mr David Brown

Mr. David Brown, Principal Consultant at DBrown Consulting, Gold Microsoft Partner, issued this call during a packed event by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) – HR Centre Launch in Nigeria: Future of Human Resources in Africa, held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki on Friday, 13 Feb 2026.

 Mr. Keith F. Watson of 360 HR Solution

At a panel section, HR leaders, business execs, and industry stakeholders including Mr. Keith F. Watson of 360 HR Solutions and Mr. Victor Banjo of Lagos Business School, explored HR’s evolving role in an AI-driven era.

Speaking at the event, Brown stressed that AI shouldn’t be seen as just an IT thing, but as a strategic HR transformation tool. “AI isn’t just tech,” he said. “It’s about people, performance, and productivity and HR is right at the heart of it”.

Brown highlighted that Nigeria’s productivity levels lag behind more advanced economies, emphasizing that improving workforce efficiency is crucial for sustainable growth.

He said, AI offers a chance to change the game by automating mundane tasks, allowing employees to focus on high-impact areas like strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership.

He described this transformation as a leap into “super productivity”, where organizations achieve higher efficiency and output. “Machines should handle the busy work,” Brown said. “Humans should focus on being creative, solving problems, and building relationships ”

Looking ahead 2-5 years, Brown predicts organizations will have blended workforces – humans and digital employees working together.

“Soon, companies might say they’ve got 20 human staff and 100 AI staff,” he said, pointing out how AI is becoming a bigger part of business. He said AI will handle small tasks, automate workflows, and give real-time insights, freeing HR to focus on coaching, talent development, and building company culture.

“Data will be part of everything we do,” he said. “HR will focus less on reports and more on unlocking people’s potential.”

CIPD is UK-based but operates in countries like Nigeria, supporting HR proffessionals like HR managers, talent developers, and recruitment specialists and other people-focused roles. Basically, anyone in HR or people development can benefit from CIPD’s resources and certification.