ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ADOPTION, EMPLOYEE RESKILLING AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing work, organisational processes and the skills required in contemporary workplaces. In Nigeria, AI offers opportunities to improve efficiency, innovation, productivity and decision-making, but may widen skills gaps where employees lack the competencies needed to use emerging technologies. This study examines the relationship between AI adoption, employee reskilling and organisational performance in Nigeria, considering their opportunities and challenges for national transformation. It is anchored in Human Capital Theory, the Technology Acceptance Model and Dynamic Capabilities Theory. A qualitative documentary design was adopted, drawing on academic publications, Nigerian policy documents and reports from the World Bank, International Labour Organization (ILO) and World Economic Forum published mainly between 2023 and 2025. Thematic analysis was used to organise the evidence. The review indicates that AI can improve operational efficiency, service quality, innovation and managerial decisions, but benefits depend on employee capability, infrastructure, organisational readiness and responsible governance. Major barriers include skills shortages, unreliable electricity and connectivity, implementation costs, employee anxiety, privacy risks and ethical concerns. The study concludes that AI-led transformation should combine technology investment with inclusive reskilling, lifelong learning, infrastructure development and accountable governance. The findings are relevant to managers, policymakers, educational institutions and workforce-development agencies seeking to prepare Nigeria’s workforce for technological change.