IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) REGULATED UNDER NIGERIAN LAWS?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. These machines are designed to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.

There are several countries that have regulated artificial intelligence (AI) through their laws, including: The European Union: The EU has implemented the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which applies to the use of AI and other forms of advanced technolog. The Canadian government has established the "Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy" which provides a framework for the responsible and ethical development and use of AI.

Currently, THERE IS NO SPECIFIC REGULATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) UNDER NIGERIAN LAW. However, several laws may apply to the use of AI in Nigeria, such as data protection laws and intellectual property laws. The Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) which is the first data protection law in Nigeria was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, it is the first legislation to regulate the collection, storage, and use of personal data in Nigeria, which is also relevant for AI.

Additionally, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued guidelines for the use of AI in the telecommunications industry, it is possible that in the future, Nigeria may develop specific regulations for the use of AI.

It's also important to note that, given the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology, it is likely that Nigerian laws and regulations will continue to adapt and evolve in response to the challenges and opportunities presented by this technology.

SANI, Sa'ad Bunza ESQ.
Founder, The Legal Platform 
sanisaadbunza@gmail.com