Artificial Intelligence Implementation, Job Security and Mental Health: Impacts of AI on IT Professionals in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector

The rapid advancement of digital technologies and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are affecting the Information Technology (IT) sector in Nigeria. This study highlighted the impacts of AI adoption on the mental health, job security and professional identity of IT professionals. Unlike the western world, there is a growing incursion into the digital space in developing countries such as: Nigeria, hence, the need to x-ray the psychological impact of AI on IT professionals in a high-tech industry (oil and gas) where the use of AI is fast gaining ground. The paper employed a mixed-methods approach with surveys, questionnaires, structured interviews and focus groups, synthesizing observations with existing literature on AI’s impact within Nigeria’s IT sector. It examined the evolving roles of AI, evaluated professional sentiments regarding job security and adaptability and assessed the psychological implications of AI-induced changes in the workplace. The findings from questionnaires distributed to 300 randomly selected IT professionals in the oil and gas sector, indicate that while AI enhances efficiency and innovation in the Nigerian IT industry, it also contributes to significant psychological and professional challenges among IT professionals. These include job displacement (temporary or permanent), frustration, despair, deskilling, poor decision-making and low self-esteem. The resulting mental health challenges such as, depression, burnout and stress-related illnesses, underscore the human cost of rapid AI adoption without adequate support mechanisms. The study advocated for comprehensive training and mental health support systems to help IT professionals adapt to AI-driven changes. It was therefore recommended that policymakers and organizational leaders should adopt strategic, inclusive approaches to AI implementation that incorporate input from IT professionals and ensures that innovation does not compromise workers well-being and job stability.