By David Akinmola
As Nigeria pushes forward with bold ambitions to become a leading hub for artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa, experts are raising the alarm: without robust governance frameworks and cybersecurity safeguards, the nation’s AI aspirations could backfire.
In recent years, Nigeria has emerged as a key player in Africa’s tech scene, with a booming startup ecosystem and a rapidly growing digital economy. The federal government’s launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2024 marked a turning point—an official commitment to leveraging AI for economic growth, job creation, and solving societal challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
But enthusiasm alone isn’t enough.
“AI is a double-edged sword,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, a technology policy analyst and advisor to the Nigerian Senate. “It can transform economies, but without proper oversight, it can also amplify inequality, fuel misinformation, and compromise national security.”
Governance Vacuum
Nigeria’s AI strategy outlines plans to invest in research, support startups, and integrate AI into public services. However, critics say the policy lacks detailed frameworks for accountability, ethics, and data privacy.
“There is no clear regulation on how data should be collected, used, or stored,” said Chidi Okafor, director at the Center for Digital Rights. “This opens the door to abuse—whether by corporations, political actors, or foreign interests.”
Experts worry that, in the absence of enforceable ethical standards, biased algorithms could exacerbate systemic inequalities or enable surveillance and discrimination. Already, facial recognition technologies tested in public surveillance systems have raised concerns about racial and socio-economic profiling.
Cybersecurity: The Weak Link
Alongside governance, cybersecurity remains a major vulnerability.
In 2023, Nigeria saw a 25% rise in cyberattacks, many targeting critical infrastructure and financial systems. As AI systems become more embedded in national infrastructure—power grids, health systems, and public safety—so do the risks of AI-driven cyber threats.
“If you deploy smart systems without securing them, you’re basically putting a loaded weapon in the hands of hackers,” said Colonel Ibrahim Musa (retired), a cybersecurity expert who now advises regional governments. “AI can be used defensively, but it can also be weaponized.”
A Race Against Time
Nigeria’s youthful population and digital adoption rates offer immense potential for AI-driven growth. Already, homegrown startups are developing tools for precision farming, AI tutors for rural schools, and diagnostic systems for local clinics.
However, without trust in the systems that govern AI use, public backlash or misuse could stall progress.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which oversees the implementation of the AI strategy, has acknowledged these concerns. In a recent statement, the agency said it was working to develop data protection guidelines and establish an AI ethics board. But timelines remain vague.
Meanwhile, global tech giants are deepening their presence in Nigeria’s AI ecosystem, prompting fears that local data could be exploited under weak regulatory oversight.
The Path Forward
Experts agree that Nigeria’s AI ambitions are not misplaced—but success hinges on strong, inclusive, and transparent governance.
“AI can help us leapfrog development gaps,” said Dr. Bello. “But it must be a people-centered, rights-respecting approach. Otherwise, the risks will outweigh the rewards.”
She and others are calling for a multi-stakeholder task force—including government, academia, civil society, and private sector leaders—to co-create policies that ensure safe, equitable, and sovereign AI development.
In the global race for AI leadership, Nigeria has the talent and the drive. The question is whether it will build the guardrails fast enough to stay on course.
