Impact of AI Adoption on Business Process Automation and Competitiveness in Manufacturing Industry in Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the impact of AI adoption on business process automation and competitiveness in the Nigerian manufacturing industry, utilizing Dangote Cement Plc and Nigerian Breweries Plc as case studies. The study employed structured questionnaires and regression analysis on a sample of 301 to investigate the impact of AI technology on operational efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage in manufacturing enterprises. The results indicate a robust positive link between AI adoption and enhanced operational efficiency, with AI markedly diminishing human mistakes and optimizing production processes. Moreover, the implementation of AI enhances market competitiveness, allowing companies to innovate, reduce manufacturing costs, and respond to market fluctuations more efficiently. Nonetheless, challenges such as high implementation costs, insufficient qualified workforce, and technological intricacies persist as impediments to widespread adoption. The study corroborated worldwide findings while also emphasizing context-specific obstacles in Nigeria, including infrastructure deficiencies and data privacy issues. The report advocated for legislative interventions, infrastructural enhancements, and worker training initiatives to address these difficulties and optimize the advantages of AI.