CEIAI Governance Database
Back to the database
Record STMT-W13A86ELegally binding

A Bill for an Act to Ensure Proper Control of Usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology in Nigeria and for Related Matters, 2023

A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ENSURE PROPER CONTROL OF USAGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2023

Legislation State lawSub-Saharan Africa · NGproposed

The Control of Usage Artificial Intelligence Technology in Nigeria Bill, 2023 is a legislative proposal aimed at regulating AI development, deployment, and usage in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria. It establishes ethical principles, data governance requirements, human oversight mandates, and an independent regulatory authority housed within the Ministry of Justice. Furthermore, the bill outlines penalties for non-compliance, mechanisms for legal remedies, and includes schedules detailing the societal advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence.

Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.

Who issued it

National Assembly of the Federal Republic of NigeriaLegislature · NG
Lead issuer
Legal forceLegally binding
Under whose authorityState law
Judged fromfull text

Who it governs

National governmentRegulatorsCompaniesAI developers and providersAI deployers and usersResearchers and academics

This document is for policymakers, regulators, legal practitioners, and AI developers or deployers operating within Nigeria to understand compliance obligations regarding artificial intelligence.

Sectors
Cross-sector

What the document contains

What's covered

The document covers the legal scope, ethical requirements, data governance, safety protocols, human oversight mandates, training initiatives, enforcement penalties, and regulatory authority structures for artificial intelligence in Nigeria. It also highlights the societal pros and cons of AI through schedules.

What's missing

Specific monetary fine amounts and detailed procedural rules for audits are not stated in the text.

Key takeaways
  • The bill applies broadly to AI systems developed, used, or deployed within both the private and public sectors in Nigeria.
  • AI developers and users must adhere to core ethical principles prioritizing human values, transparency, non-discrimination, and accountability.
  • The legislation mandates risk assessments, data protection safeguards, and requirements for human oversight in significant decisions.
  • The Ministry of Justice is designated as the independent regulatory authority with powers to issue guidelines, conduct inspections, and impose penalties.
  • Non-compliance can result in fines, remedial actions, or the suspension of AI operators, alongside provisions for individual legal remedies and compensation.
Principles it states
Development and use of AI systems shall prioritize human values, respect human rights, and promote fairness and transparency.AI systems shall be designed, developed, and operated with considerations to ensure the safety and privacy of individuals and their data.AI systems shall not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, or any other protected characteristics defined by law.AI developers and users should be accountable for actions and outcomes of their AI systems, including potential harm caused.AI systems that impact individuals' lives shall be designed and operated transparently, providing understandable explanations for decisions.
Outline
· 1. Objectives of the Bill
· 2. Application of this Bill
· 3. Ethical Principles
· 4. Risk and mitigation
· 5. Data protection and privacy
· 6. Data Governance
· 7. Safety and security
· 8. Human oversight and intervention
· 9. Education and awareness
· 10. Regulatory Authority
· 11. Enforcement and penalty
· 12. Review as amendment
· 13. Interpretation
· 14. Citation
· Schedule 1: Advantages of AI to society
· Schedule 2: Disadvantages of AI to society
· Explanatory Memorandum
Issued2023
Length1,445 words
FormatNot recorded
Scopenational

How it scores

Pending review

Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.

Accountability

4/5

Clear responsibility for AI outcomes

AI developers and users should be accountable for actions and outcomes of their AI systems, including any potential harm caused

Section 3

screening score · 2026-10-23

Fairness

4/5

Non-discrimination and equitable treatment

AI system shall not discriminate based on race, gender, religion or any other protected characteristics defined by law

Section 3

screening score · 2026-10-23

Human Dignity

4/5

Respect for the inherent worth of persons

development and use of AI system shall prioritize human values, respect human rights and promote fairness and transparency

Section 3

screening score · 2026-10-23

Human Oversight

4/5

Humans remain in control of consequential decisions

Artificial decisions with significant consequences shall involve human oversight and intervention, ensuring human accountability and preventing undue reliance on AI systems

Section 8

screening score · 2026-10-23

Transparency

4/5

Openness about how AI systems work and are used

Transparent documentation of AI system or architecture, data sources and algorithms shall be maintained to facilitate the adults and ensure accountability

Section 4

screening score · 2026-10-23

Enforcement

4/5

Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force

Non compliance with this law shall result in penalties which includes Fines, remedial actions or suspension of AI system operators

Section 11

screening score · 2026-10-23

Impact Assessment

4/5

Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use

Developers and operators shall conduct risk assessments and proactively identify and mitigate potential risks and harm before deployment

Section 4

screening score · 2026-10-23

Topics

Physical AI Governancecore
artificial_intelligence ethical_ai data_protection risk_management ai_governance regulation