AI is no longer a luxury but a survival tool for businesses – Oleru

In this exclusive interview with BusinessDay, Anayo Oleru, founder of Civeex and iYellowbox, tells Deborah Ezeh how AI is repositioning businesses for service delivery and profitability in a fast-paced tech world. Excerpts

You’ve been speaking publicly about AI and its impact on modern businesses. Why do you think these conversations are gaining so much attention now?

AI has shifted from something experimental to something businesses can actually use. A few years ago, AI was mostly confined to research labs or large tech companies.

Today, it’s embedded in the tools businesses use daily — from customer service to automation, productivity, and decision-making.

Importantly, AI is now accessible without massive budgets or infrastructure, meaning startups, small businesses, and even individual professionals can leverage it.

This accessibility is transforming AI from a technical experiment into a real business advantage.

How is AI changing the way businesses operate today?

AI fundamentally changes decision-making and service delivery. Businesses used to reactively gather data and decide on next steps. Now, AI can detect patterns early, automate responses, optimise operations in real time, and even personalise products and services at scale. This speeds up project development, improves customer engagement, and allows companies to innovate faster — a serious competitive advantage.

What strategic advantage does AI offer Nigerian startups and enterprises?

AI acts as a multiplier. Many Nigerian businesses operate with limited resources and small teams. AI automates repetitive tasks, reduces operational costs, and allows companies to scale efficiently.

Even small business owners — market traders, shop owners, and distributors — can use AI tools for demand forecasting, digital payments, pricing optimisation, and better customer engagement. This levels the playing field and enables faster, smarter business operations.

What barriers could prevent Nigerian businesses from fully realising the benefits of AI?

Several challenges exist. Data maturity is key — AI works best with structured, reliable data, but many small businesses still rely on manual or fragmented record-keeping. Digital literacy and readiness for change also matter.

Without simple, practical tools and education, adoption is slow. Infrastructure and technical expertise are further factors. The good news: these barriers are solvable, especially when smaller businesses plug into existing systems built by larger companies.

What separates organisations that successfully adopt AI from those that struggle?

Successful organisations integrate AI into their workflows and long-term strategies rather than treating it as a quick add-on. Leadership mindset is critical — AI adoption affects people, culture, and operations. The best organisations start by solving specific business problems, implement AI gradually, and invest in data practices and team training.

Where do you see AI creating the most significant competitive advantage for Nigeria?

Three areas: Services and digital talent: Nigeria has many skilled engineers and creatives. AI increases productivity, allowing startups to deliver high-value services globally without heavy infrastructure.

Efficiency: AI optimises processes in fintech, agriculture, logistics, and healthcare, reducing costs and improving service delivery.

Innovation: AI accelerates prototyping, testing, and scaling, enabling startups to compete and contribute to the economy faster.

Why is technical leadership important for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem?

Ecosystems don’t grow on capital alone — they grow on capable technical leaders. Experienced engineers mentor others, share knowledge, and set standards for architecture, security, and responsible AI use. Strong technical leadership raises the quality of the ecosystem, ensuring innovation lasts beyond surface-level startups.

Finally, what role do you hope to play in advancing AI-driven innovation in Nigeria?

I want to build AI systems that solve real-world problems locally while remaining globally competitive. I also aim to share knowledge and close capability gaps, helping businesses and professionals use AI effectively. My goal is to contribute to a resilient, trusted, and competitive digital economy in Nigeria and beyond.