NiDO-Worldwide backs Nigeria's move to regulate AI and data systems
Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NiDO)-Worldwide has welcomed the Federal Government's push for a comprehensive legal framework to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI), data systems, and e-governance processes.
The organisation says the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024, can set clear guardrails for innovation, competition, and digital public services-if implementation stays ethical, inclusive, and risk-aware.
Why this matters for legal teams
- Scope: The bill targets AI governance, data systems, and e-government processes-expect statutory duties around transparency, accountability, and fair competition.
- Risk-based approach: Anticipate classifications for AI use cases and compliance controls tied to risk levels (e.g., impact assessments, human oversight, auditability).
- Public sector procurement: Vendors offering AI to government may face disclosure, testing, and monitoring requirements embedded in contracts.
- Cross-border issues: Nigeria's participation in international digital trade will likely hinge on adequate data protection, security, and interoperability standards.
- Institutional coordination: Watch for how enforcement splits across digital economy, data protection, and cybersecurity regulators.
NiDO-Worldwide's position
NiDO-Worldwide's leadership describes the bill as a significant step toward credible digital governance, with the potential to boost productivity, strengthen institutions, and increase Nigeria's competitiveness.
They emphasise continuous stakeholder engagement-industry, academia, civil society, and the diaspora-to ensure the framework is practical and future-ready.
"Our position is clear - Nigeria's digital future must be innovative, inclusive, secure and trusted. The Nigerian Diaspora can contribute immensely to achieving these."
Where legal risk and opportunity concentrate
- Definitions: How an "AI system" is defined will shape obligations across sectors, especially for software embedded in products and services.
- Algorithmic accountability: Expect audits, documentation, and incident reporting for higher-risk systems, plus clarity on human oversight.
- Data governance: Ensure alignment with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, consent frameworks, DPIAs, and retention/erasure controls. See the Nigeria Data Protection Commission for current guidance: ndpc.gov.ng.
- Competition and market access: Provisions to promote fair competition and export-oriented services may influence data portability, interoperability, and vendor lock-in clauses.
- Standards and global norms: Monitor references to international AI principles and conformity assessment. A useful benchmark: OECD AI Principles.
- Public accountability: Transparency for government use of AI-disclosures, impact assessments, and grievance mechanisms-will be key to credibility.
How the diaspora can plug in
- Policy design: Offer comparative insights from jurisdictions with mature AI and data laws.
- Capacity building: Train public institutions on risk management, procurement, oversight, and vendor evaluation.
- Sector expertise: Contribute domain-specific guidance across fintech, healthtech, govtech, cybersecurity, and education.
Action items for in-house counsel and law firms
- Map AI use across products, internal tools, and third-party vendors; classify by risk and business impact.
- Update contracts for AI-specific warranties, evaluation rights, model/ data documentation, and ongoing monitoring obligations.
- Stand up an AI governance playbook: roles, approvals, testing, incident handling, and retention of model/dataset change logs.
- Ensure data protection compliance (DPIAs, consent, cross-border transfers) and align with security baselines and audit trails.
- Prepare for public sector tenders: anticipate disclosure templates, bias/ performance testing, and human-in-the-loop controls.
Outlook
If implemented with strong oversight and steady stakeholder input, this framework can improve service delivery, investor confidence, and Nigeria's standing in digital trade. The legal community will be central to turning the bill's objectives into workable standards, contracts, and compliance routines.
Upskilling your legal team
If your practice is formalising AI governance and risk processes, a structured training track helps. Explore role-focused programs here: Complete AI Training - Courses by Job.
Your membership also unlocks:
