Nigeria moves toward comprehensive AI regulation

The age of artificial intelligence has unlocked new opportunities, as well as significant challenges, and many countries are facing the dilemma of whether to allow innovation to progress freely or introduce safeguards to manage AI-related risks and protect users. The European Union took the lead with its 2024 AI Act, and several African countries — including Angola, Egypt, Kenya and Morocco — have since adopted similar stances toward governing AI through national strategies, policy frameworks and regulation. 

In Nigeria, the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Research Regulatory Agency Bill was introduced in 2021, but did not complete its legislative cycle. In 2023, the National AI and Robotics Sciences Bill and the Control of Usage of Artificial Intelligence Technology were introduced into the House of Representatives, both scaling through the first reading. In 2024, the National Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Authority Bill was also presented for its first reading. However, in December 2024, the bills introduced to Parliament between 2021 and 2024 were consolidated for second reading. 

In 2024, Nigeria also published its National AI Strategy, which highlights crucial AI governance proposals, including: developing national AI principles; establishing an AI governance regulatory body; publishing transparent terms and guidelines for responsible AI development and deployment; and developing a comprehensive risk management framework that minimizes the potential negative impacts of AI deployment and use. 

In 2025, Nigeria maintained momentum on AI regulation with the introduction of the National Artificial Intelligence Commission (Establishment) Bill, which proposes the establishment of a National AI Commission to oversee AI development and the Nigeria Digital Sovereignty and Fair Data Compensation Bill, 2025. Considerable progress was also made with the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.

The National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill