Nigeria is strengthening its capacity to govern Artificial Intelligence (AI) through internationally recognised standards, as the Federal Government works with the United Kingdom to establish stronger frameworks for managing AI risks, accountability and responsible technology adoption.
The initiative follows a four-day executive programme delivered by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in partnership with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), under the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme.
The workshop brought together senior government officials, regulators and technology practitioners to examine how international standards can support AI governance, risk management, assurance and institutional oversight as Nigeria seeks to become a leading AI economy in Africa.
Participants examined ISO/IEC 42001, which provides requirements for AI management systems, and ISO/IEC 23894, which offers guidance on managing risks associated with artificial intelligence. The programme focused on practical ways organisations can apply such frameworks to improve accountability and support the safe deployment of AI systems.
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The collaboration comes as Nigeria expands its ambitions for artificial intelligence and digital public services, raising the importance of governance frameworks that can build trust, protect data and manage risks associated with emerging technologies.
Grace Bell, first secretary for Economic Partnerships and Digital at the British High Commission, said responsible AI adoption requires appropriate governance frameworks, strong institutions and trusted standards.
“Artificial Intelligence presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, innovation and social development. However, realising these benefits requires the right governance frameworks, strong institutions and trusted standards that can underpin safe, secure and responsible adoption,” she said.
Bell said the partnership between the UK and Nigerian institutions reflects a shared commitment to using international standards to support innovation, investment, trade and public trust.
The collaboration involves the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), NCAIR and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Beyond AI governance, the partnership covers digital trust, data governance, cybersecurity, smart infrastructure, digital public services and electronic waste management. The BSI also held engagements with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s climate finance team to assess e-waste management models and explore cooperation on digital trade standards.
Representing the Nigerian government, Olubunmi Ajala, national coordinator of NCAIR, said the collaboration had progressed beyond theoretical discussions towards developing institutional capacity for governing emerging technologies.
Ajala also called for a permanent cross-government community of practice to strengthen coordination and knowledge-sharing among officials responsible for AI governance.
The workshop concluded with a reception in Abuja, where participating officials were recognised for completing the programme. The initiative is expected to contribute to a growing pool of policymakers, regulators and practitioners equipped to promote responsible AI adoption across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
However, the practical impact of the initiative will depend on how the knowledge gained through the training is translated into institutional policies, operational safeguards and consistent oversight across government agencies and businesses.
International standards can provide common frameworks for assessing AI-related risks and establishing accountability, but their effectiveness depends on implementation, institutional coordination and the ability of regulators and organisations to apply them to real-world systems.
The UK Government said it would continue supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation through partnerships aimed at strengthening governance, promoting trusted technology and encouraging sustainable and inclusive digital growth.
The workshop forms part of broader UK-Nigeria cooperation on standards-led innovation, with both countries seeking to improve the governance of emerging technologies while creating conditions for investment and digital economic development.
Royal Ibeh is a senior journalist with years of experience reporting on Nigeria’s technology and health sectors. She currently covers the Technology and Health beats for BusinessDay newspaper, where she writes in-depth stories on digital innovation, telecom infrastructure, healthcare systems, and public health policies.
