REGULATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN NIGERIA: BALANCING INNOVATION WITH ETHICAL AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing quickly and changing many sectors around the world, including in Nigeria, where it was once seen as a distant possibility. Given the improvements in internet and mobile technology, Nigeria’s tech industry has expanded significantly, which has created a strong and enabling environment for AI development. This growth has increased the popularity of many new startups and established tech companies like Opay, Google, and Meta; owners of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, and thus, positions Nigeria as a potential leader in AI. Moreover, Nigeria has a large, young, and tech-savvy population that is well-suited for AI advancements. However, despite these promising opportunities, Nigeria's current technology-related laws, such as the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the Cybercrimes Act, are not enough to tackle the unique challenges that AI presents. This research examined the urgent need for new laws to regulate AI in Nigeria. It identified gaps in existing AI laws and looked into the ethical and legal issues arising from its widespread use. By comparing Nigeria’s situation with how the European Union, China, and the United States managed AI, this study uncovered significant weaknesses in Nigeria's legal responses to these critical matters. The findings highlighted the pressing need to develop specific laws for AI that not only reduced risks but also supported technological advancement. A risk-based approach, similar to the EU's AI Act, was recommended. Additionally, the study recommended that the legal framework should clearly define AI and establish responsibility for any harm caused by AI-related issues. The study further recommended that Nigeria strengthen the operations of agencies like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). For further studies, the study suggested that exploring how these regulations could be effectively implemented and evaluating their impact on Nigeria's AI landscape would be crucial. Overall, this research contributed to the ongoing discussion about AI regulation in Nigeria and offered important guidance for policymakers.