Career Paths Being Made Redundant by the Emergence of AI in Nigeria

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept—it is already influencing workplaces across Nigeria. From banking halls in Lagos to supermarkets in Abuja and call centers in Port Harcourt, AI is automating tasks once performed by humans. While this technology creates opportunities in data science, fintech, and robotics, it is also making some traditional careers redundant. Below are seven careers in Nigeria that are being reshaped or phased out by AI, with relevant local examples. 

1. Bank Tellers and Data Entry Clerks 

For decades, Nigerian banks employed thousands of clerks to handle deposits, withdrawals, and customer records. Today, AI-powered banking apps, USSD codes, and digital wallets (like Opay, PalmPay, and GTWorld) allow customers to carry out transactions without visiting a branch. Automated systems also manage account records, reducing the need for manual data entry clerks. Many banks now run “digital branches” with few or no human tellers, signaling a clear decline in these roles. 

2. Call Center Agents 

Customer service call centers were once a major employer in Nigeria’s telecom and banking sectors. However, AI-driven chatbots and voice assistants now resolve common queries instantly. For example, MTN’s chatbot “Zigi” and Access Bank’s “Tamara” handle balance checks, airtime purchases, and service complaints without human input. As more companies adopt these solutions to cut costs and boost efficiency, the traditional call center agent role is shrinking. 

3. Travel Agents 

The Nigerian travel industry has also felt the impact of AI. In the past, travel agents booked flights and hotels for clients, but platforms like Travelstart, Wakanow, and even direct airline apps have automated this process. AI systems compare flight options, recommend packages, and process payments seamlessly. As more Nigerians—especially the youth—book tickets online, the demand for human travel agents has sharply declined. 

4. Retail Cashiers 

Though still common in many Nigerian supermarkets, cashier jobs are beginning to face disruption. AI-powered self-checkout machines and contactless payments are being tested in large retail outlets in Lagos and Abuja. E-commerce platforms like Jumia and Konga also eliminate the cashier role altogether by enabling direct online payments. As adoption of digital transactions spreads, the number of cashier positions in physical retail is expected to decline. 

5. Proofreaders and Translators 

With Nigeria’s growing digital economy, proofreading and translation were once reliable freelance opportunities. However, AI tools like Grammarly and Google Translate have automated much of this work. Nigerian businesses, from blogs to e-commerce stores, increasingly use these platforms to edit content or translate product descriptions into French, Arabic, or Swahili for regional expansion. Human expertise is still needed for nuanced projects, but AI is handling the bulk of everyday tasks. 

6. Journalists and News Reporters (Basic News) 

AI is also encroaching on media jobs in Nigeria. Automated news-writing software can now draft simple reports, such as election results, football scores, or financial updates, within seconds. Some Nigerian media outlets use AI-driven tools to monitor breaking news on social media and generate instant reports. While investigative journalism remains a human-driven craft, routine reporting is increasingly being handled by machines. 

7. Stock Brokers and Financial Advisors (Entry-Level) 

In the financial sector, AI-powered trading platforms and robo-advisors are reducing reliance on human brokers. Apps like Bamboo, Trove, and Chaka already use algorithms to recommend investments and track market performance for Nigerian users. Instead of calling a broker, many young investors now rely on AI dashboards that predict trends and automate portfolio management. Entry-level financial advisory roles are therefore at risk of disappearing. 

The Bigger Picture for Nigeria 

While AI is displacing some careers, it is also creating new opportunities in fields like software engineering, cybersecurity, data analysis, and AI product development. Nigeria’s booming fintech sector and growing tech hubs in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are already driving demand for these new skills. 

The lesson is clear: Nigerians must embrace reskilling and upskilling to remain relevant. Just as typewriters gave way to computers, today’s redundant careers will pave the way for emerging opportunities in an AI-driven economy.