Papers by AISHAT OMOLADE LAWAL
Working Paper, 2026
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into socio-economic systems has intensified glob... more The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into socio-economic systems has intensified global debates on the adequacy of existing legal frameworks to regulate emerging technologies.
In Nigeria, while there is currently no dedicated artificial intelligence legislation, the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 (hereinafter referred to as NDPA 2023) establishes a comprehensive framework for the regulation of personal data processing. This article examines the extent to which the NDPA 2023 may already function as an indirect foundation for artificial intelligence governance in Nigeria.
The analysis is grounded in key provisions of the NDPA. It explores how core data protection provisions may influence the design, deployment, governance, and oversight of AI systems that rely on personal data. Through practical illustrations drawn from sectors such as fintech, recruitment, healthcare, and digital platforms, the article demonstrates how these provisions intersect with algorithmic decision-making and automated processing.
The article argues that while the NDPA 2023 was not designed as an artificial intelligence statute, it may nonetheless provide an important conceptual and legal foundation for AI governance in Nigeria. However, this foundation remains incomplete and will likely require complementary regulatory frameworks to adequately address the complex risks posed by advanced AI systems. The paper recommends the adoption of a complementary AI governance framework in Nigeria that builds upon existing data protection principles while addressing AI-specific concerns such as algorithmic accountability, transparency, explainability, bias mitigation, human oversight, and regulatory coordination. Ultimately, the article contends that while the NDPA 2023 may not constitute a comprehensive AI governance framework, it represents a significant starting point in Nigeria’s evolving regulatory response to artificial intelligence.
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Papers by AISHAT OMOLADE LAWAL
In Nigeria, while there is currently no dedicated artificial intelligence legislation, the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 (hereinafter referred to as NDPA 2023) establishes a comprehensive framework for the regulation of personal data processing. This article examines the extent to which the NDPA 2023 may already function as an indirect foundation for artificial intelligence governance in Nigeria.
The analysis is grounded in key provisions of the NDPA. It explores how core data protection provisions may influence the design, deployment, governance, and oversight of AI systems that rely on personal data. Through practical illustrations drawn from sectors such as fintech, recruitment, healthcare, and digital platforms, the article demonstrates how these provisions intersect with algorithmic decision-making and automated processing.
The article argues that while the NDPA 2023 was not designed as an artificial intelligence statute, it may nonetheless provide an important conceptual and legal foundation for AI governance in Nigeria. However, this foundation remains incomplete and will likely require complementary regulatory frameworks to adequately address the complex risks posed by advanced AI systems. The paper recommends the adoption of a complementary AI governance framework in Nigeria that builds upon existing data protection principles while addressing AI-specific concerns such as algorithmic accountability, transparency, explainability, bias mitigation, human oversight, and regulatory coordination. Ultimately, the article contends that while the NDPA 2023 may not constitute a comprehensive AI governance framework, it represents a significant starting point in Nigeria’s evolving regulatory response to artificial intelligence.