In August 2024, Nigeria embarked on a transformative journey by unveiling its first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), a comprehensive framework aimed at positioning the country as a global leader in AI development. This strategic move underscores Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing the power of AI for sustainable development, economic diversification, and inclusive growth. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), spearheaded the drafting of this policy, with active participation from over 120 Nigerian and international experts.
As part of the policy development process, NITDA has opened the draft strategy for public consultation, inviting stakeholders from various sectors—including technology, academia, civil society, and government—to provide feedback. This inclusive approach ensures that the final policy reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives and addresses the diverse needs of the Nigerian populace.
Vision, Objectives, and Strategic Pillars
Vision
The overarching vision of the NAIS is to establish Nigeria as a global leader in harnessing the transformative power of AI through responsible, ethical, and inclusive innovation, fostering sustainable development through collaborative efforts.
Objectives
The strategy outlines several key objectives:
- Economic Growth and Competitiveness: Leveraging AI to drive economic diversification and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.
- Social Development and Inclusion: Ensuring that AI technologies contribute to social development and are accessible to all segments of society.
- Ethical AI Development: Promoting the development of AI technologies that adhere to ethical standards and respect human rights.
- AI Governance and Regulation: Establishing robust governance frameworks to oversee AI development and deployment.
Strategic Pillars
The strategy is structured around five strategic pillars:
- Infrastructure and Ecosystem Development: Building the necessary infrastructure to support AI research, development, and deployment.
- Human Capital Development: Investing in education and training to develop a skilled AI workforce.
- Research and Innovation: Fostering a culture of innovation through research and development in AI technologies.
- Ethical and Legal Frameworks: Developing ethical guidelines and legal frameworks to govern AI activities.
- International Collaboration and Partnerships: Engaging in international collaborations to share knowledge and resources.
Data Protection and Privacy Considerations
The Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023
The Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 serves as the primary legislation governing data privacy in Nigeria. It establishes the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as the independent regulatory body responsible for overseeing data protection and privacy matters. The Act applies to all forms of processing personal data, including those used in AI systems, both during development and after deployment.
AI and Data Privacy
AI systems often rely on large datasets, which may include personal data. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that AI development complies with data protection laws to safeguard individuals’ privacy rights. The NDPA mandates that data controllers and processors adhere to principles such as lawfulness, fairness, transparency, data minimization, and purpose limitation in processing personal data.
Gaps in the NAIS Draft
While the NAIS draft addresses ethical considerations, it lacks detailed provisions on data protection and privacy. The draft should incorporate specific guidelines on data handling practices, data subject rights, and mechanisms for redress in case of data breaches to align with the NDPA and ensure comprehensive protection of personal data.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Legal Framework
The NDPA provides a legal foundation for data protection in Nigeria. It outlines the rights of data subjects, obligations of data controllers and processors, and the establishment of the NDPC to enforce compliance. The Act also addresses issues related to automated decision-making, ensuring that individuals are not subjected to decisions based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal or similarly significant effects.
Ethical Guidelines
Ethical considerations are paramount in AI development to prevent harm and ensure fairness. The NAIS emphasizes principles such as transparency, accountability, non-discrimination, and respect for human rights. However, the draft policy should provide more detailed ethical guidelines, including mechanisms for accountability and transparency in AI systems, to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly.
Regulatory Oversight
The establishment of the NDPC provides a regulatory framework for overseeing data protection and privacy matters. However, there is a need for coordination between the NDPC and other bodies involved in AI governance to ensure a cohesive approach to AI regulation. The NAIS should outline the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in AI governance to avoid overlaps and gaps in regulatory oversight.
Public Consultation Process and Stakeholder Engagement
Mechanisms for Public Feedback
NITDA has established several channels to facilitate public input on the NAIS draft:
- Online Submissions: Stakeholders can access the draft policy document through NITDA’s official website and submit their feedback via designated online forms.
- Workshops and Seminars: Collaborative sessions, such as the Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit (WEETS) 2024, have been organized to discuss the draft policy and gather insights from various sectors.
- Stakeholder Meetings: Engagements with industry experts, academia, civil society, and government agencies have been conducted to ensure a broad spectrum of perspectives is considered.
Stakeholder Participation
The consultation process has seen active participation from various stakeholders:
- Industry Experts: Professionals from technology firms, startups, and multinational corporations have provided insights on practical applications and implications of AI in Nigeria.
- Academia: Researchers and scholars have contributed by analyzing the policy’s alignment with global best practices and suggesting areas for improvement.
- Civil Society Organizations: Groups advocating for digital rights and ethical AI have highlighted concerns related to data privacy, bias, and inclusivity.
- Government Agencies: Entities such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) have collaborated to ensure regulatory coherence.
Importance of Public Engagement
Engaging the public in the policy-making process is crucial for several reasons:
- Democratic Legitimacy: Public consultation reinforces the democratic process by allowing citizens to have a say in policies that affect them.
- Policy Effectiveness: Incorporating diverse perspectives leads to more robust and effective policies that are better suited to address real-world challenges.
- Trust Building: Transparent and inclusive processes build public trust in governmental initiatives, increasing the likelihood of successful implementation.
By prioritizing public engagement, NITDA demonstrates its commitment to developing an AI strategy that is not only technologically sound but also socially responsible and widely accepted.
Implementation Roadmap and Future Outlook
Implementation Framework
The NAIS outlines a phased approach to implementation, structured around short-term (1–2 years), medium-term (3–5 years), and long-term (5+ years) objectives. Key components of the implementation framework include:
- Establishment of Governance Bodies: Setting up dedicated institutions, such as the National AI Council and sector-specific AI task forces, to oversee the strategy’s execution.
- Resource Allocation: Securing funding through government budgets, international partnerships, and private sector investments to support AI initiatives.
- Policy Integration: Aligning the NAIS with existing policies, such as the National Digital Economy Policy and the National Data Protection Act, to ensure coherence and synergy.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Implementing mechanisms to track progress, assess outcomes, and make necessary adjustments to the strategy.
Capacity Building and Talent Development
A critical element of the NAIS is the development of a skilled AI workforce. Initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme aim to train young Nigerians in AI and related fields. By 2027, the program seeks to equip three million Nigerians with digital and technical skills, positioning them to contribute to and benefit from AI advancements.
Ethical and Regulatory Oversight
To ensure responsible AI development, the NAIS emphasizes the establishment of ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks. This includes setting standards for data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and accountability. Collaboration with international bodies and adherence to global best practices will be essential in this regard.
Public Engagement and Inclusivity
The NAIS recognizes the importance of public involvement in AI governance. Ongoing consultations, such as workshops and public forums, will be conducted to gather input from diverse stakeholders, including marginalized communities, to ensure that AI benefits are equitably distributed.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the successful implementation of the NAIS will position Nigeria as a hub for AI innovation in Africa. By fostering a conducive environment for research, entrepreneurship, and ethical AI practices, Nigeria can leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.
Nigeria’s Draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) 2024 marks a pivotal step toward harnessing the transformative potential of AI for national development. Through a comprehensive approach that includes public consultation, strategic planning, capacity building, and ethical governance, the NAIS aims to position Nigeria as a leader in responsible and inclusive AI innovation. The active participation of stakeholders and the commitment to continuous evaluation will be crucial in realizing the vision of an AI-driven future that benefits all Nigerians.
