Nigeria lacks AI-specific laws despite widespread deployment, exposing citizens to deepfake scams and bias
Nigeria has no binding AI-specific legislation despite AI being deployed across finance, healthcare, agriculture and education sectors. While the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 exists, it only governs data handling—not what AI systems do with that data, leaving algorithmic profiling, automated bias and discriminatory outcomes largely unregulated. This gap persists even as the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation flags algorithmic bias as a financial stability risk.
The absence of AI laws enables measurable harms: deepfake videos/audio of business leaders fuel financial scams, AI-driven misinformation escalates societal instability, and generative tools create non-consensual sexualized images of women on platforms like X. Regulatory fragmentation worsens risks—NITDA, NDPC, CBN, NCC and FCCPC overlap jurisdictions without coordination, allowing regulatory arbitrage while citizens bear consequences of unchecked AI deployment.
Experts urge immediate action: presidential assent to the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill (preserving transparency provisions), creation of a National AI Regulatory Authority with audit powers, legal guarantees for a 'right to explanation' when harmed by AI, and enforceable penalties for platforms failing to remove harmful deepfakes. Civil society oversight and youth educator networks are also recommended. Will you support pushing for these safeguards before AI harms scale beyond remedies?