By Ajibola Osungbohun
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the stuff of science fiction; it is today’s political and economic battleground. From Washington to Beijing, policymakers are racing to set the rules of engagement for a technology that promises to transform economies, reshape governance, and even redefine global power. While advanced economies are moving fast, countries like Nigeria are stepping into the arena with their own strategies, eager not to be left behind.
A Global Contest of Power and Policy
In Brussels, the European Union has been finalising its landmark AI Act, the first comprehensive attempt to regulate artificial intelligence on a continental scale. The EU approach prioritises ethics, transparency, and human rights, aiming to ensure that AI does not compromise democracy or fairness.
Across the Atlantic, the United States is focusing on innovation. Through executive orders and billions in research funding, Washington is investing in AI to solidify its leadership in technology and security. China, meanwhile, is weaving AI into everything from surveillance systems to its “Made in China 2030” industrial strategy, positioning the technology at the heart of its geopolitical ambitions.
As global giants set the pace, international organisations such as UNESCO and the OECD are pushing for shared principles of responsibility, inclusivity, and accountability to prevent the misuse of AI. Yet the reality is clear: nations that dominate AI policymaking will shape the rules for everyone else.
Nigeria’s First Steps
So where does Nigeria stand in this race?
As Africa’s largest economy and home to one of the world’s youngest populations, Nigeria has everything to gain or lose from the AI revolution. In 2022, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) released a draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy, outlining a vision to integrate AI into sectors like agriculture, health, education, and national security.
The document emphasised training, ethical safeguards, and collaboration with global partners. It also pointed to Nigeria’s budding tech ecosystem, particularly the startups in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt as fertile ground for AI innovation. In parallel, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has been promoting digital literacy programs and AI research hubs, while the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023 seeks to address privacy and governance concerns.
Politics at Play
AI policymaking in Nigeria is not just about technology it is about politics. On the domestic front, the government must balance innovation with concerns about unemployment and inequality. For example, AI tools in agriculture might boost productivity but could also displace rural workers. Similarly, the use of AI in public services raises questions about transparency, data misuse, and trust in government institutions.
Internationally, Nigeria faces a delicate balancing act. Dependence on U.S. or Chinese AI infrastructure could leave the country vulnerable to foreign interests. Policymakers must therefore promote local innovation while building partnerships that do not compromise sovereignty.
Africa’s Tech Giant in Waiting
Despite the challenges, Nigeria has unique strengths. Its population of over 200 million includes one of the largest pools of digital natives on the continent. The success of Nigerian startups in fintech, health tech, and Agritech suggests the country could carve a niche in AI applications tailored to African realities, such as precision farming, mobile health diagnostics, or tackling disinformation in elections.
But while Rwanda has gained recognition for its digital governance strategy and Kenya for mobile money innovation, Nigeria is still searching for its flagship AI success story. Experts warn that without targeted investment in research, talent development, and regulation, Nigeria risks being a consumer, not a creator of AI technologies.
What Needs to Happen Next
- Investment in R&D: Nigeria needs dedicated AI research centres linked to universities, backed by government and private sector funding.
- Talent and Skills: Scholarships, exchange programs, and coding bootcamps can help train the next generation of AI developers and policymakers.
- Ethical Governance: Stronger data protection, anti-surveillance safeguards, and election integrity frameworks are critical to prevent misuse.
- Continental Collaboration: Working with the African Union and ECOWAS could give Nigeria more weight in global AI debates.
- Inclusive Innovation: Policies must ensure that rural communities, women, and marginalised groups benefit from AI adoption, closing, not widening the digital divide.
Conclusion
The politics of artificial intelligence is reshaping global governance, and Nigeria cannot afford to be a bystander. By aligning with global standards while building homegrown solutions, Nigeria has the chance to lead Africa in responsible AI adoption.
The choice is stark: either Nigeria shapes the future of AI to serve its people, or it risks having that future shaped for it by others. The race is on and Nigeria must run with vision, urgency, and resolve.