ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

This study investigates the adoption, perceived benefits, and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resource management (HRM) practices within Nigerian organizations. Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a sample of 400 HR professionals across public and private sectors through a structured questionnaire. The analysis revealed that AI adoption in HRM is at a moderate level, with larger and private organizations demonstrating higher utilization compared to smaller and public sector institutions. Respondents strongly agreed that AI enhances efficiency, accuracy, and fairness in HR decision-making and recruitment, with mean scores above 3.5 on a five-point scale. However, perceptions of AI’s role in improving employee engagement and satisfaction were less favourable, reflecting its limited influence on human-centric HR functions. The findings further identified significant barriers to effective AI integration, particularly high costs, lack of technical expertise, data privacy and security concerns, algorithmic bias, and insufficient legal and ethical frameworks. Overall, the study concludes that while AI presents substantial opportunities for transforming HRM in Nigeria, its potential can only be maximised through targeted investments, regulatory safeguards, and strategic alignment of technology with human values.