By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
Mr Oluwafemi Osho, a cybersecurity expert, has urged Nigeria to adopt a development-first, risk-aware approach to ensure effective governance, regulation, and responsible innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Osho made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria ((NAN) in Abuja, noting that Nigeria had historically been more of a technology consumer than an innovator.
He said AI presented a major opportunity to reverse the trend by building local capacity to shape the future of technology, emphasising the need for a governance framework that protected citizens while supporting innovation.
“Because AI systems rely heavily on data, Nigeria must strengthen data governance through clear rules on privacy, consent, access, quality, cross-border transfers, and accountability,” Osho said, stressing that effective enforcement is also critical.
He also said enforcement was equally important for preventing data misuse, copyright violations, and intellectual property infringement,” he added, highlighting the need for strong regulatory backing.
Osho further emphasised that governance must be matched with enabling infrastructure, including reliable electricity, broadband, cloud and computing access, cybersecurity, and trusted digital public services.
He called for investment in local innovation and talent development through research funding, startup support, regulatory sandboxes, and expanded AI education to ensure solutions reflected Nigerian realities and social needs.
Osho also advocated for coordinated AI regulation across sectors, warning that fragmented approaches could create policy gaps and uncertainty.
“AI affects finance, health, education, communications, and security.
“A central coordination mechanism, combined with international partnerships, can help Nigeria align standards, learn global best practices, and promote responsible AI that fosters inclusion, trust, and economic growth,” he said.(NAN)(“http://www).nannews.ng)
NIUEdited by Benson Ezugwu/Abiemwense Moru
