For an explanation of how to read this resource, please refer to the guide at the bottom.
AI Regulation
In August 2022, Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) began developing a national AI policy and sought contributions from volunteer experts.1Although a draft was completed, it was not released.2 A year later, in August 2023, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) released a white paper expanding the country’s AI policy efforts.3 This process invited global AI researchers with expertise relevant to Nigeria to co-create a national AI strategy. Consequently, a draft ‘National Artificial Intelligence Strategy’ (the “Draft AI Strategy”) was unveiled in August 2024.4
In September 2024, the Nigerian Bar Association published ‘Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Profession in Nigeria’ (the “Legal Profession AI Guidelines”).5
Several bills relating to AI have been introduced in the National Assembly of Nigeria, including the (i) Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the National Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Studies Sciences Regulation Commission to ensure Proper Control of Usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology in Nigeria, Regulate the Development, Deployment, and use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria and for Related Matters;6 and (ii) Artificial Intelligence Management and Finance Institute (AIMFIN) (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 2063).7
Definitions of AI
The Legal Profession AI Guidelines define AI as follows:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) encompasses a branch of computer science dedicated to creating intelligent machines/systems capable of mimicking human cognitive functions and possibly emotional range. These functions include learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI systems achieve this by processing vast amounts of data to identify patterns, make predictions, and perform tasks traditionally requiring human intervention.
Although it has not provided a formal definition for AI, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) adopts two definitions of AI in its research paper, ‘Ethical and Societal Impact of Artificial Intelligence’.8
The first definition in the research paper, adapted from the American Heritage Science Dictionary (2020),9 states that AI is “the ability of a computer or other machine to perform actions thought to require intelligence.” The NCC elaborates on this definition, stating that “[t]he actions include logical deduction and inference, creativity, the ability to make deductions based on past experience or insufficient or conflicting information, and the ability to understand language.”
The second definition, adapted from Stanford University’s 100 Year Study,10 states that AI is “a science and a set of computational technologies that are inspired by, but typically operate quite differently from, the ways people use their nervous systems and bodies to sense, learn, reason, and take action.”
The NCC concludes as follows: “In layman’s terms, AI is the development of computer systems that are able to perform tasks that would require human intelligence. Examples of such tasks are visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation of languages.”
Core Principles
The Draft AI Strategy identifies a set of guiding principles. These include: (i) Responsible and Ethical Conduct; (ii) Inclusivity and Shared Prosperity; (iii) Innovation and Adaptation; (iv) Sustainability; (v) Collaboration; (vi) Global Leadership; (vii) Transparency and Accountability; (viii) Human-Centric; (ix) Risk Management and Resilience; and (x) Data Ethics and Agency.
While the Legal Profession AI Guidelines do not explicitly outline AI principles, they emphasise that international standards such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) offer valuable benchmarks for Nigerian legal professionals, including relating to principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Public Consultations
In August 2022, Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) issued a call for volunteer experts to participate in developing a national AI policy.11
In August 2023, the Minister of FMCIDE built on NITDA’s policy efforts by calling for recommendations of researchers with Nigeria expertise to participate in the co-creation of a national AI strategy.12 In April 2024, after identifying over 6,000 experts,13 FMCIDE convened a national AI strategy workshop with around 120 of these experts to collaborate on developing the Draft AI Strategy.14
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Nigeria15
- National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-202516
- National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-203017
- National Data Strategy (NDS) 2022 (Draft)18
- National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy, dated June 201219
- Strategic Plan for the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (Strategic Blueprint), dated October 202320
- Nigeria Cloud Computing Policy, dated August 201921
- Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-202522
- Nigeria e-Government Interoperability Framework (Ne-GIF), dated August 201923
- Data Interoperability Standards, 201624
- Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries25
- Nigerian Communications Act, 200326
- National Digital Economy and E-Governance Act, 202427
- Nigeria Data Protection Act, 202328
- Nigerian Data Protection Regulation 201929
- Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019: Implementation Framework, dated November 202030
- Guidelines for the Management of Personal Data by Public Institutions in Nigeria, 202031
- Freedom of Information Act, 201132
- Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 201533
- Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2007 (NCC Regulations)34
- Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 201835
Human Rights
The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. Its principles are considered universal and applicable to all UN member states. As a member of the UN, Nigeria has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Nigeria outlines various principles of State policy, including those relating to work, health, and education (Sections 17(3)(a), 17(3)(d), and (18), respectively).36 It also includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights, such as Article 37, which guarantees the right to privacy (protection of citizens, and their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations, and telegraphic communications). Other protections include the rights to life (Section 33), dignity (Section 34), freedom of expression (Section 39), and equality (Section 42). Nigeria has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, the country has signed but not ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE)37
- National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)38
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)39
- Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI)40
- Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST)41
- National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP)42
- Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)43
- Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT)44
- Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)45
- Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)46
- Public Complaints Commission – The Nigerian Ombudsman (PCC)47
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)48
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
In October 2023, FMCIDE launched the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative to train three million persons in 12 technical skills, including AI and machine learning.49 The first phase of the programme involved the collaboration of over 120 organisations.50
Also in October 2023, FMCIDE launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) to fund up to 45 successful researchers or startups in the amount of N5 million each to advance AI-related projects.51
In November 2023, the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA) initiative was established by FMCIDE in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.52 This programme offered up to N10 million in funding to selected projects for the implementation of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, including AI, in various agricultural subsectors.53
In April 2024, FMCIDE launched a large language model developed through a collaboration between NITDA, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Awarritech (a Nigerian AI company), and DataDotOrg (a global technology company).54
In September 2024, with support from Google, NCAIR established a N100 million AI Fund aimed at providing N10 million each to 10 Nigerian startups using AI to create innovative solutions.55
In October 2024, the Nigerian government formally announced the AI Collective, a programme that would bring together three organisations—Data Science Nigeria, Lagos Business School, and the Center for Journalism, Innovation, and Development—to support the development of Nigeria’s AI initiatives.56 Luminate allocated funding of US$1.5 million over three years for the project.57
Also in October 2024, FMCIDE announced a N2.8 billion grant from Google to advance AI skills development in Nigeria.58 This funding supports the ministry’s AI talent development programmes in collaboration with Data Science Nigeria.59
In December 2024, the Nigerian government launched a free AI academy in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation.60
In February 2025, Microsoft unveiled a US$1 million initiative aimed at providing AI skills to one million Nigerians over two years.61
Professional/Industry Associations
A non-exhaustive list of professional or industry associations with a focus on AI in the country includes:
- Nigeria AI Collective62
- National Association of AI Practitioners (NAAIP)63
- Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) Nigeria64
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Organization of Nigeria (AAIMLON)65
- Practical Artificial Intelligence Development Foundation (PAIDeF), also known as Nigerian Foundation for Artificial Intelligence (NFAI), an interest group of the Nigeria Computer Society66
Additionally, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is an association with a broad scope that could include AI.67
Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups
In February 2025, Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council approved the formation of a National AI Trust to mobilise resources for AI initiatives in the country, and to oversee and guide Nigeria's AI development.68 The Trust is expected to be composed of 10 AI experts along with the Minister of FMCIDE and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.69
Guide
- AI Regulation: The term "regulation", as used in this resource, encompasses measures ranging from binding laws to national AI policies and strategies, government proposals, advisory guidelines, and industry standards that address AI systems and their implications.
- Existing Legal Framework: This section outlines the relevant legal framework, excluding any AI-specific regulations presented in the initial section.
- Human Rights: The following terms have the stated meanings: "ACHPR" means the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, "ICCPR" means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, "ICESCR" means the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, "Malabo Convention" means the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, "UDHR" means the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and "UN" means the United Nations. Any reference to an “Article” or “Section” of the Constitution is to the version of the Constitution referenced herein.
- Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups: This section excludes legislative and parliamentary committees.
