“We are not poor in knowledge. We are not poor in human resources. We are only poor in management and leadership and that is why I ran for president, to help all of us mould the soul of our country in the right direction.” — Bola Ahmed Tinubu (7 September 2023)
1. It is an honour to address you at this esteemed event marking the investiture of Commodore Abimbola Ayuba as the 25th President and Chairman of the Council of the Nigeria Institute of Management. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him and commend the Institute’s commitment to fostering excellence in leadership and management. Today, we celebrate not only a distinguished naval officer but also a visionary leader whose dedication to national service extends well beyond his years in uniform. Having known Commodore Ayuba for nearly four decades, I can attest to his unwavering commitment to excellence in management and leadership. He has been instrumental in shaping policies, mentoring emerging leaders and bridging the divide between academic theory and real-world management practices. His ascension to this esteemed position is not just a testament to his capabilities, but a call to further his impactful work in shaping the future of management in Nigeria. This call to leadership comes at a crucial time when technological advancements are rapidly reshaping the landscape of management, necessitating a new breed of forward-thinking, technologically adept and strategically minded leaders.
2. The theme of my keynote address, Leveraging Emerging Technologies in Management is therefore both timely and relevant in this era of digital transformation, where emerging technologies are redefining the global economic and industrial landscape. To remain effective and competitive, management professionals must not only adapt to these changes, but also harness their full potential. The key question before us today is how can we integrate these technologies to enhance management practices, while mitigating the challenges they present? The broad answer lies in a profound insight by Peter Drucker, who said, “the best way to predict the future is to create it.” Now is therefore the time to act decisively to shape a future where Nigeria’s prosperity, security and stability is strengthened by technology-driven management.
3. Technological advancement has been a defining force in human civilization, from the advent of mechanized production during the Industrial Revolution to the rise of the digital economy in the 21st century. Each era of innovation has necessitated a corresponding evolution in management practices, requiring leaders to rethink organisational structures, workforce dynamics and strategic operations. Today, we stand at the precipice of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a convergence of digital and physical systems that is altering the very fabric of how we work and live. This transformation brings with it both promise and peril. While it offers unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, productivity and innovation, it also presents challenges that require adaptive leadership, ethical considerations and robust cybersecurity measures. The responsibility of formulating effective strategies to navigate this shifting landscape rests squarely on the National Institute of Management, whose mandate is to regulate and oversee the management profession in Nigeria in all its dimensions, ensuring it remains responsive to the demands of an ever-evolving world.
4. The speed of technological change necessitates a shift from traditional management practices to more agile, data-driven and innovation-focused approaches. The digital era is being shaped by transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, blockchain, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), each redefining industries in unprecedented ways. AI, in particular, is revolutionizing decision-making processes, enabling the analysis of vast datasets and optimizing business operations with remarkable efficiency. From predictive analytics in finance to intelligent automation in manufacturing, its applications are reshaping the global economic landscape. The rapid evolution of AI has given rise to fascinating applications such as Auto-GPT, DeepSeek, Google’s Sycamore quantum computing and Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain-chip that could possibly restore vision and cure paralysis by creating a direct interface between the human brain and computers. Projections suggest that AI could contribute an astonishing $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2035. Yet, as AI becomes deeply embedded in management and decision-making, ethical challenges emerge, including concerns over data privacy, algorithmic bias, and workforce displacement. In this era of disruptive technologies, visionary leadership is imperative, which should navigate the fine balance between technological adoption and human capital development, ensuring that innovation drives sustainable and inclusive growth.
5. Beyond AI, big data analytics stands as a cornerstone of modern digital transformation, revolutionizing the way organizations process and interpret vast datasets. This shift has propelled decision-making from intuition-driven methods to precise data-informed strategies. With access to real-time insights, businesses can now anticipate market trends, personalize customer experiences and streamline operations with unprecedented accuracy. However, the full potential of big data can only be realized by cultivating analytical expertise within the workforce and fortifying data security measures to counter the growing threats of cyberattacks. Similarly, IoT has redefined interconnectivity, giving rise to smart industries where automation and real-time monitoring drive efficiency. In logistics, for instance, IoT-enabled tracking systems have optimised supply chain management, minimizing waste and enhancing delivery precision. Yet, as connectivity expands, so too do concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the complexities of data governance, underscoring the need for robust protective measures in an increasingly interconnected world.
6. Blockchain technology that was originally designed for cryptocurrency transactions has evolved into a transformative force across various sectors, including supply chain management, digital identity protection, and transparent record-keeping. Its decentralised architecture offers enhanced security and fosters greater trust in business operations, making it an indispensable tool for modern enterprises. Similarly, the integration of robotics across manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries has ushered in a new era of precision, efficiency and safety. While automation drives significant gains in productivity, it also raises concerns about potential job displacement and the urgent need for workforce reskilling. Accordingly, forward-thinking leaders must address these challenges by prioritizing investments in upskilling initiatives, equipping employees with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly automated job market.
7. The military sector has been one of the biggest adopters of emerging technologies, using them to enhance operations, strategy, and security. Particularly, AI, drones, cyber warfare, and autonomous systems have revolutionized modern warfare and intelligence gathering. A case in point is the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, where AI-driven reconnaissance drones have been instrumental in gathering real-time battlefield intelligence, allowing for precise targeting and strategic decision-making. Satellite imagery, powered by AI, has also played a crucial role in assessing troop movements and infrastructure damage. Additionally, sophisticated cyber tactics have also been deployed to disrupt communication networks, disable critical infrastructure and influence public opinion. The ability to wage war in cyberspace therefore demonstrates how emerging technologies have expanded the battlefield beyond physical engagements.
8. While the benefits of emerging technologies are evident, the road to seamless integration into management practices is fraught with challenges. Key amongst these is resistance to change. Many organisations face cultural inertia when adopting new technologies. Employees and even some managers may be reluctant to embrace digital transformation due to fear of redundancy or the unknown. This reluctance is further exacerbated by concerns over job losses and skills gaps as witnessed in certain areas. For instance, as of May 2023, about 3,900 US job losses were directly linked to AI, while British Telecom aims to replace 10,000 staff with AI within 7 years. Additionally, over 300 million full-time jobs are estimated to be replaced by AI globally in the next decade. Despite these concerns, many analysts remain optimistic, predicting that, much like the technological advancements seen during the Industrial Revolution, AI will ultimately create new jobs and opportunities. However, this will necessitate the development of comprehensive strategies for workforce adaptation and retraining, ensuring employees are equipped to thrive in an evolving job market.
9. Ethical and privacy concerns as well as cyber security present unique challenges in integrating emerging technologies into management. The increasing use of AI and big data raises ethical questions about surveillance, bias in decision-making, and data privacy. For instance, in the US criminal justice system where AI is deployed to enhance decision-making, the technology has consistently been compromised with significant bias against African-American defendants. Similarly, in the Dutch AI scandal, the biases of a self-learning algorithm for spotting childcare fraud resulted in the poverty of tens of thousands of low-income families with some victims committing suicide and more than a thousand children taken into foster care. Such cases highlight the critical need for the development of robust regulatory frameworks to address these ethical concerns. Furthermore, substantial investments in cybersecurity infrastructure and awareness programs are essential to mitigate the risks associated with the growing adoption of these technologies.
10. On a more sobering note, emerging technologies are being leveraged by terrorist organisations for asymmetric warfare. Evidence of this exist even here in Nigeria, where extremist groups have employed encrypted communication applications and used drones to gather intelligence on rural communities, while applying cyberterrorism to evade surveillance and spread propaganda. The use of cryptocurrency for illicit funding further complicates counterterrorism efforts. These challenges emphasize the need for proactive defence strategies, continuous intelligence gathering and advanced technological countermeasures to combat emerging threats. Beyond traditional security concerns, these challenges carry significant management implications, necessitating thoughtful deliberation by the Institute to develop strategic solutions that will shape and strengthen national defense policy.
11. Having highlighted some critical challenges, it is equally important to chart the way forward. In this regard, to successfully navigate the future, management professionals must embrace a forward-thinking approach that champions adaptive leadership. Organisations must cultivate leaders who are agile, innovative and adept at managing technological disruptions. Equally important is the prioritisation of digital literacy and continuous learning, which would ensure that employees are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving digital landscape. This must be complemented by robust ethical and data governance frameworks that establish clear policies on data ethics, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, close collaboration between government and industry is essential in addressing the complexities of integrating emerging technologies into management. Accordingly, policymakers, academia and industry leaders must work in concert to foster an enabling environment that supports technological advancement and sustainable growth.
12. Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population estimated at 160 million and accounting for 70 percent of the country’s populace represents a formidable asset for national development. Harnessing the potential of this demography through the strategic application of emerging technologies in management would significantly enhance efficiency and drive progress. To achieve this, the Institute must advocate for the overhauling of educational curricula to incorporate courses in artificial intelligence, coding, and digital entrepreneurship. Additionally, fostering a thriving environment for startups and innovation hubs is crucial. This would provide young technopreneurs with access to funding, mentorship, and infrastructure to enable them to succeed. Finally, within our organizations, we must actively promote youth participation in decision-making, empowering young professionals to take on leadership roles that will drive technological adaptation, innovation, and inclusivity.
13. In conclusion, as we stand at the intersection of technological advancement and management evolution, it is imperative that we embrace change, mitigate risks and seize opportunities. Emerging technologies, when strategically leveraged, can transform management practices, improve efficiency, and drive economic growth. However, we must also address challenges such as resistance to change, cybersecurity risks, and ethical concerns. More so, by engaging the youth, investing in digital education, and fostering innovation, we can ensure a future where Nigeria remains competitive in the global landscape. As Albert Einstein once said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” It is time to think differently, act boldly and shape a future where technology and management coexist harmoniously for the greater good.
14. Congratulations once again to Commodore Ayuba as he takes on this prestigious leadership role. But more importantly, I congratulate the Institute for your excellent choice of leadership that will steer the ship of management on a progressive course. As we say in the navy, I wish you fair winds and following seas. Onward together!
AZ GAMBO
Vice Admiral (rtd)
The 21st Indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff