In a bid to facilitate efficient communication with Nigerians abroad, especially during the Covid 19 pandemic, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has initiated its Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant and emergency call lines.
In a statement, the Head of Media and Public Relations of the Commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, stated that the AI assistant or chatbot, is an automated messaging solution that encourages natural language processing.
The Sight News gathered that its algorithms (a set of instructions or codes designed to carry out a specific task) have been deliberately developed to assist Nigerians in the diaspora and Nigerians in general to access valuable information.
In addition, the chatbot will always be available round the clock to provide quick and timely information to Nigerians pertaining inquiries about NiDCOM or the COVID-19 pandemic or any other necessary information.
According to Balogun, “This type of Artificial Intelligence technology innovation brought forward by the Commission’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is a testimony to the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure Nigerians get reliable information, they deserve, especially during this pandemic as the world remains on lockdown”.
He added that with the chatbot, Nigerians, anywhere in the world, will be one chat away to obtain necessary information, particularly speedy and up-to-date news on various issues of national interest.
“The AI assistant promises to be easy to operate and accessible via smart phones and other digital devices such as Personal Computers (PCs), Tablets and Desktops”, he noted.
Meanwhile, NiDCOM has provided emergency lines for which Nigerians abroad can contact the Commission; +1234 222 2161; +1 888-644-2372.
On the return of Nigerians stranded abroad, the statement noted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs will give necessary directive to the missions on the next steps.
According to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO NiDCOM, over 2,000 Nigerians have expressed their willingness to leave their host countries to come home following the pandemonium caused by the Coronavirus.
Most of the applicants seeking to return home are not Nigerians resident abroad, but Nigerians who travelled for one reason or the other and got stranded.
The AI assistant and emergency call lines are ready to go live soon via various messaging platforms such as NIDCOM AI ASSISTANT ON FACEBOOK.
