Stakeholders Seek Balanced AI Rules to Drive Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Technology leaders, lawmakers, legal professionals, regulators, academics, and industry stakeholders have called for the development of a balanced artificial intelligence (AI) regulatory framework that encourages innovation while safeguarding the rights of Nigerians.
The appeal was made during the 2026 AI Summit held in Lagos by T&A Legal under the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria: Balancing Regulation and Innovation.” The gathering brought together representatives from both the public and private sectors to discuss how AI can be responsibly adopted to support national development.
Speaking at the summit, Co-Founder of T&A Legal, Oluseyi Adisa, described AI as one of the most transformative technologies of the modern era. He stressed that Nigeria has a unique opportunity to design an AI governance model that reflects the country’s realities rather than relying entirely on foreign regulatory systems.
According to him, artificial intelligence has the potential to boost Nigeria’s economy by improving productivity across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, finance, and public administration. However, he warned that issues including algorithmic bias, data privacy breaches, cyber threats, misinformation, and election manipulation must be addressed through effective regulation.
Adisa noted that a successful AI policy should promote innovation while ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Salisu, said Nigeria has continued to make notable progress in digital governance and artificial intelligence, positioning itself among Africa’s emerging leaders in responsible AI development.
He revealed that proposed AI legislation is expected to introduce governance structures such as regulatory sandboxes, risk-based oversight, accountability mechanisms, and safeguards designed to encourage innovation without compromising public safety.
Salisu said responsible AI governance could become a major driver of Nigeria’s digital transformation and economic growth if government, industry, academia, and civil society continue to work together.
Representing the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the agency’s Director of Regulation and Compliance, Barrister Emmanuel Edet, reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to fostering an environment where responsible AI innovation can thrive.
He explained that the agency remains focused on ensuring that AI development aligns with Nigeria’s national priorities while following globally accepted standards and best practices.
Participants at the summit agreed that collaboration among policymakers, technology companies, researchers, and civil society will be essential in creating a regulatory framework that supports innovation, attracts investment, protects citizens, and strengthens Nigeria’s position in Africa’s growing digital economy.
