Cybersecurity expert Mr. Oluwafemi Osho has called on Nigeria to embrace a development-first, risk-aware approach to ensure effective governance, regulation, and responsible innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Osho made the recommendation during an interview with reporters on Wednesday in Abuja. He noted that Nigeria has historically been more of a technology consumer than an innovator.
He argued that AI presents a major opportunity to reverse this trend by building local capacity to shape the future of technology. He emphasized the need for a governance framework that protects citizens while fostering 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. He stressed that effective enforcement is equally critical.
“Enforcement is essential for preventing data misuse, copyright violations, and intellectual property infringement,” he added, highlighting the importance of strong regulatory backing.
Osho further stressed that governance must be supported by enabling infrastructure, including reliable electricity, broadband connectivity, cloud and computing access, robust cybersecurity measures, and trusted digital public services.
He advocated for investment in local innovation and talent development through research funding, startup support, regulatory sandboxes, and expanded AI education to ensure solutions reflect Nigerian realities and address local social needs.
Osho also called for coordinated AI regulation across sectors, warning that fragmented approaches could create policy gaps and uncertainty.
“AI affects finance, health, education, communications, and security,” he said. “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.”
His recommendations come amid growing global and national discussions on how developing economies can harness AI’s transformative potential while mitigating risks related to data privacy, bias, job displacement, and ethical concerns. Osho’s emphasis on balancing innovation with strong safeguards reflects a widely shared view that proactive, context-specific governance will determine whether Nigeria becomes a meaningful participant in the global AI ecosystem.
