Nigeria is to start regulating the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country, according to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),
The Director General of the NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, stated that the legislation is part of the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill expected to be passed by the National Assembly in March 2026.
Abdullahi explained that the law will give the regulators expanded authority over data use, algorithms and digital platforms across the country’s fast-growing technology sector.
He stated that the legislation is being designed to regulate AI early rather than retroactively, as the adoption will accelerate it across Nigeria’s financial sector, public services and private industry,
“You cannot be ahead of innovation, but regulation is not just about giving commands. It’s about influencing market, economic and societal behaviour so people can build AI for good,” he said.
The bill, according to him, is designed to establish a comprehensive governance framework for emerging technologies, closing a regulatory gap that has existed since Nigeria released a draft national AI strategy in 2024.
He added that Nigeria will become a pioneer and one of the first African countries to adopt a comprehensive regulatory regime for AI if the law is passed.
GIK/APA