Nigeria is poised to become a continental leader in technology governance as the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy moves from a policy draft to a binding legal framework. Announced as “finalized” by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the strategy is now being integrated into the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, currently undergoing legislative scrutiny in the National Assembly.
From Policy to Law
While the strategy was initially launched as a roadmap in 2024, the 2026 legislative push introduces enforceable standards for data usage and algorithmic systems. At the heart of the bill is a risk-based regulatory model, mirroring global standards like the EU AI Act. This framework classifies AI applications by their potential impact on society, mandating annual audits for “high-risk” systems in finance and public administration while protecting innovation through regulatory sandboxes.
Why It Matters
For Techrectory readers, this shift represents the institutionalization of the Nigerian tech ecosystem. Once passed, the law will empower regulators to impose fines of up to ₦10 million or 2% of annual revenue for non-compliance, effectively ending the era of unregulated “black box” algorithms. For the first time, “algorithmic accountability” will be a legal requirement, not just a corporate buzzword. 
Conclusive Thoughts
The National AI Strategy is no longer just a trend—it is becoming the law of the land. As the National Assembly prepares to finalize the bill this quarter, Nigeria is signaling its readiness to not only consume global AI but to govern its impact through a lens of digital sovereignty and local context.
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