Nigeria Sets Continent-Wide Precedent With Sweeping AI Regulation Bill

Africa's largest digital economy is tightening oversight of artificial intelligence with a landmark bill that could reshape tech governance across the continent. The National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill grants regulators unprecedented authority over data flows, algorithmic systems, and digital platforms—addressing critical gaps in Nigeria's 2024 AI roadmap.

High-risk AI applications in banking, government surveillance, and automated decision-making will face stringent audits. Tech firms must submit annual compliance reports detailing risk mitigation strategies, with penalties reaching ₦10M ($7K) or 2% of annual Nigerian revenue for violations. Enforcement mechanisms remain undefined, leaving room for regulatory interpretation.

"We're building guardrails, not roadblocks," says NITDA Director-General Kashifu Abdullahi. The legislation positions Nigeria as Africa's de facto AI standard-bearer—a strategic MOVE for crypto-friendly jurisdictions eyeing algorithmic stablecoins and blockchain-based governance systems.