Nigeria Releases National AI Strategy Focusing on Data Protection and Ethical Governance
In September 2025, Nigeria's National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), launched the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The Strategy aims to drive economic growth, enhance productivity, and promote social inclusion by leveraging AI across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education.
It identifies five strategic pillars: foundational AI infrastructure, a world-class AI ecosystem, accelerated AI adoption, responsible AI development, and robust AI governance. The document emphasizes the necessity of integrating data protection principles from the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) into AI deployment, addressing compliance, accountability, and risks associated with AI use. The Strategy advocates for a role-based approach to data governance, operationalizing data subject rights, and promoting institutional collaboration to enhance the responsible use of AI in Nigeria.
