FG partners Meta to launch GovGuide Nigeria, an AI chatbot for public services in four languages
By Aboki Forex —
The Federal Government has partnered with Meta to launch GovGuide Nigeria, an artificial intelligence chatbot that helps Nigerians access government services in English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. The platform was unveiled on Thursday, May 21, 2026, by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The chatbot is a collaboration between Meta, the ministry, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and Nigerian tech firm Publica AI. It is powered by Meta’s open-source Llama models and works through a web-based interface using voice and text.
Minister says initiative modernises public service delivery
Minister Bosun Tijani said GovGuide Nigeria is part of the government’s push to use emerging technology to make public services more responsive and transparent. He added that deploying AI tools in local languages on platforms Nigerians already use will strengthen trust in government institutions and improve citizen engagement.
He noted that partnerships between government and tech companies can drive productivity and expand Nigeria’s digital economy.
Meta highlights economic growth potential
Meta’s Head of Public Policy, Sade Dada, said open-source AI remains a critical driver of economic growth and innovation. She explained that GovGuide Nigeria is a practical example of how AI can solve everyday challenges, especially for rural residents and people with limited literacy. The chatbot was built by Publica AI using Meta’s open-source technology.
Dada added that the project shows how open-source AI can encourage local innovation, empower indigenous talent, and create long-term value for African economies.
Publica AI CEO says platform transforms citizen interaction
Ignatius Willie, CEO of Publica AI, described GovGuide Nigeria as a major step towards changing how Nigerians interact with government institutions. He said the platform makes public services conversational, multilingual, and available through channels Nigerians already use daily. He stressed that the initiative demonstrates Africa’s growing capacity to build indigenous digital infrastructure tailored to local realities and languages.
The launch comes as the government intensifies efforts to promote digital inclusion and expand AI adoption. Officials believe GovGuide Nigeria could bridge communication gaps between citizens and government while accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.