Nigeria’s Bold Stance on Artificial Intelligence: A Focus on Homegrown Solutions

Nigeria is embarking on a transformative journey in artificial intelligence (AI), firmly asserting its intention to develop and deploy locally-created systems trained on authentic Nigerian data. This strategic pivot, discussed at the recent Innovate AI 2026 conference in Lagos, reflects a growing awareness among policymakers, business leaders, and academics about the potential risks associated with foreign-designed AI models.

The Risks of Dependency

During the conference, influential voices cautioned that reliance on imported AI tools could have dire consequences for national inclusion and public trust. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria recognizes the unique challenges it faces, which differ markedly from those in developed nations. The call was clear: Nigeria must transition from simply using off-the-shelf AI solutions to building systems that align with its social, economic, and cultural contexts.

Advocating for Responsible AI

Ehia Erhabon, president of the AI Nigeria Foundation, highlighted the necessity of prioritizing governance and accountability in AI development. He emphasized that while the capabilities of AI are impressive, the focus should shift to its societal impacts. Grassroots initiatives by the Foundation, which include community hubs engaging over 25,000 learners monthly across 19 states, demonstrate a commitment to fostering a knowledgeable AI ecosystem.

What’s at stake, Erhabon warned, is the potential widening of inequality. Innovation devoid of responsibility could lead to complacency in public trust, which is essential for the technology’s acceptance.

Building on Inclusivity and Sovereignty

Stanley Jacob, representing both the AI Nigeria Foundation board and the FinTech Association of Nigeria, echoed these sentiments. He argued that AI expansion should be grounded in principles of inclusivity and accountability. The models used in Nigeria, he asserted, must be trained on datasets that reflect the nation’s diverse population and economic activities, and be subject to oversight from local institutions.

The notion of “responsible AI” was framed not as a limitation, but rather as a fundamental building block for sustainable innovation. Such a foundation ensures that the systems in place are not only effective but equitable.

The Urgency of Localized AI

The urgency of this movement is underscored by the rapid integration of AI within Nigeria’s fintech sector. Financial institutions are increasingly utilizing algorithms for critical tasks like fraud detection and credit scoring. However, experts warn that models trained on predominantly non-African datasets could misinterpret the nuanced realities of an economy marked by informal employment and irregular income flows. This misalignment could exclude numerous potential borrowers and small businesses from essential financial resources.

Natalia Lyarskaya, managing director of credit at digital lender Kuda, pointed out the human implications of AI-driven decisions. She stressed that mere implementation does not guarantee inclusion; without context, systems can inadvertently marginalize deserving borrowers.

Developing Regulatory Frameworks

Government officials are aware of these challenges and are actively working on regulatory safeguards. Kashifu Abdullahi Inuwa, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency, spoke virtually about the country’s National AI Strategy, which prioritizes infrastructure development, fairness, and privacy by design. He emphasized that AI governance should consider every stage of a system’s lifecycle, ensuring that Nigerian values are woven into the fabric of technology within the country.

Digital Colonization Concerns

The conference also addressed the specter of digital colonization. Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, CEO of Future Software Resources, expressed the importance of retaining ownership of local data and being cautious about adopting foreign regulatory models that might not serve Nigeria’s best interests. The sentiment reflects a broader concern that countries must be vigilant in securing their digital sovereignty.

Localizing Media and Cultural Contexts

Insights from various sectors, including media, offer a glimpse of how localized AI can thrive. Victoria Ajayi, CEO of TVC Communications, highlighted her organization’s use of AI tools to provide news in local languages while maintaining rigorous editorial standards. This approach showcases how AI can be leveraged to strengthen community ties and uphold public trust.

The Need for Continuous Engagement

Jonnie Penn from the University of Cambridge added an international perspective, calling for an understanding of AI as a socio-technical system that requires cultural and institutional introspection. He advocated for a proactive stance where organizations continuously engage with the community throughout the deployment of AI systems. This ongoing involvement ensures that innovations resonate with societal values and needs.

A Call to Action

As discussions progressed, a strong consensus emerged: Nigeria is at a crucial juncture. Stakeholders expressed the necessity for local control over AI technologies before foreign systems become embedded. Increasing AI adoption across finance, media, and public services offers a vital opportunity for Nigeria to shape its technological future deliberately.

In a rapidly changing global landscape, the message is clear: the future of artificial intelligence in Nigeria will be defined by Nigerian ingenuity, values, and governance, distinctly moving away from a dependence on foreign solutions.