The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria has announced plans to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country, in response to growing concerns about its potential impact on human rights.
Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, made this known during an AI Governance virtual event organized by the International Network for Corporate Social Responsibility (IN-CSR), in partnership with the United Nations Working Group and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
According to the NHRC, the forthcoming guidelines will focus on ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed in ways that respect and protect human rights.
The commission’s move follows rising concerns about the risks and challenges associated with AI technologies. These include the potential for perpetuating bias and discrimination, infringing on privacy, and undermining freedoms of expression and association.
In Nigeria, there have been reports of AI-powered systems being used to monitor citizens, especially in national security and law enforcement contexts. Additionally, concerns have emerged around AI applications in the private sector, particularly in finance and healthcare, where issues of fairness, transparency, and accountability are critical.
The NHRC’s guidelines will seek to address these issues by establishing clear standards and principles for the ethical development and use of AI in Nigeria. They will also provide a regulatory framework to guide stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
To ensure broad participation and inclusivity, the NHRC has announced plans to engage with a wide range of stakeholders—including civil society organizations, private companies, and government agencies. The commission is also calling on the public to contribute feedback during the development process.
This move marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard human rights in the digital age. It reflects a growing awareness of the need to proactively manage the risks of emerging technologies while harnessing their benefits.
Nigeria’s initiative aligns with global trends. Countries across the world, including members of the European Union, are rolling out regulations and guidelines to govern the use of AI. For instance, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) includes provisions that address AI and machine learning.
Within Africa, the push for AI governance is also gaining momentum. The African Union’s Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has released its own AI guidelines, and several African nations are working on national frameworks.
The NHRC’s decision represents a progressive step toward responsible AI development and deployment in Nigeria—grounded in a strong commitment to human rights.
