Nigeria’s government is reportedly preparing to pass a law to regulate AI, giving the country’s lawmakers power over data, algorithms and digital platforms.
Bloomberg reported that the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill is expected to be passed by the end of March 2026, two years after the country developed its draft AI strategy.
The regulation specifically targets “high-risk” AI systems used in fields such as finance, surveillance and government. Developers will be asked to submit an assessment of risk, performance, and what steps are being taken to mitigate threats.
Kashif Abdullahi, Director-General and CEO of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Authority, said in an interview with the newspaper that Nigeria needs to be proactive rather than reactive in managing the increasing adoption of technology.
Abdullahi also noted that other countries such as Egypt, Mauritius and Benin have AI strategies but no laws, and said Nigeria would be one of the first countries in Africa to introduce national regulations on AI.
contain malicious actors
As part of the law, Nigerian lawmakers will be given powers to request information, suspend or restrict AI systems deemed unsafe or non-compliant, and introduce a controlled environment for supervised testing.
Abdullahi explained that steps are being taken to ensure that the AI being built in the country stays within guardrails. “That way, if there is a malicious actor, it can be easily detected and contained.”
The proposal would also allow the regulator to impose a fine of N10 million (£7,000), equivalent to 2% of an AI provider’s total revenue, from Nigeria.
South African-based telecom operator MTN Group is making a big push into AI in Nigeria, building a $240 million data center in the country as part of a $1 billion project that also includes investments from global companies such as Equinix and Microsoft.
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