Nigerian expert calls for global AI regulation and digital sovereignty

The push for global oversight

Femi Ojumu, the founder and principal partner of Balliol Myers LP, recently spoke at a lecture series hosted by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. During the event, he argued that the current landscape of artificial intelligence lacks a unified regulatory framework. He believes that existing rules have significant gaps that prevent effective and adaptive monitoring of the technology.

Ojumu suggested that the United Nations should lead a collaborative effort alongside major technology firms to create a global mechanism. This oversight is necessary to address the serious geopolitical and existential risks that AI poses to humanity. Without a global compact, he fears the technology could be used for nefarious objectives that undermine international stability.

The discussion took place in Lagos and included notable figures like Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, the publisher of The Guardian Newspaper. The core of the argument rests on the idea that AI is evolving too quickly for current laws to keep pace. A global standard would ensure that the technology is developed and deployed ethically across different borders.

Defining digital sovereignty

A central theme of Ojumu's argument is the concept of sovereign digital autonomy. He warns that when a country outsources its AI and digital control to foreign entities, it effectively gives up its sovereignty. This dependency allows outside actors to potentially exert control over a nation's critical infrastructure and data.

To counter this, Ojumu suggests that countries like Nigeria must develop, sharpen, and incentivize their own domestic technology. By doing so, nations can diminish their reliance on foreign suppliers who might have the ability to apply a 'kill switch' to essential services. This move is intended to protect a country's strategic interests in an increasingly digitized world.

The expert noted that achieving this autonomy requires specific technical and administrative steps. These include diversifying cloud service requirements and establishing proven protocols for disaster recovery and business continuity. Robust cybersecurity and procurement regimes are also necessary to ensure that critical AI programs remain under local oversight.

Nigeria's current progress

Nigeria has already taken some steps toward regulating the digital space, specifically through the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. This law establishes a statutory framework for data protection and includes specific safeguards regarding automated decision-making. However, Ojumu notes that the practical implementation and enforcement of these policies remain vital challenges.

The expert highlighted that Nigeria faces specific hurdles, such as funding opacity and unclear timelines for policy execution. He believes that intentional sovereign control of these policies is necessary for geostrategic reasons. The goal is to move beyond just having laws on paper to having active, enforceable management of digital assets.

Furthermore, Ojumu called for the appointment of a dedicated minister of AI to manage the sector. He pointed out that because the global AI market is worth over $50 trillion, a dedicated leadership role is necessary to capture these opportunities. This would help Nigeria move from being a consumer of technology to a significant contributor to the global economy.

Resources and regional roles

The role of Nigeria in the global AI supply chain was highlighted by Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. He noted that Nigeria is an integral part of the AI evolution because it provides rare earth minerals. These minerals are essential for the semiconductor processing required to create AI-related tools.

Osaghae emphasized that Nigeria's AI experts also contribute significantly to the development of the technology on a global scale. He agreed with the need for data sovereignty and protection as AI becomes more pervasive in daily life. He urged Nigeria to collaborate with regional bodies like ECOWAS, the African Union, and the UN to create protective regulatory frameworks.

The discussion also touched on the need to end the economic exploitation of Nigeria's natural resources. By investing more in research and development, the country can add real value to its raw materials. This shift would allow Nigeria to secure a competitive advantage in the spheres of geoeconomics and sovereign autonomy while ensuring responsible AI use.

The path toward production

While the conversation focused on regulation, there was also a strong call for Nigeria to become an active producer of AI tools. Research Professor Femi Otubanjo charged Nigerians to start producing their own technology rather than just using what is available from abroad. He warned that the train of AI has already started and that Nigeria is currently lagging in production.

Ojumu reinforced this by stating that nations that can effectively and ethically leverage AI at scale will secure a major competitive advantage. This advantage is not just about economic gain but about maintaining autonomy in a world where data is a primary currency. The focus must be on creating sustainable models that can be applied across various industry sectors.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a catalyst for inward investment and a genuine economic renaissance. By eliminating terrorism and fostering a tech-heavy environment, Nigeria can create a stable foundation for growth. The transition to sovereign digital autonomy is presented as a necessary step for long-term socio-economic development and security.