Legal expert and advocate for technology governance, Dr. Great Ijeoma, has urged young lawyers in Nigeria to adopt data privacy and artificial intelligence governance as emerging fields of specialization that have the potential to transform the future of legal practice and generate new career prospects.
In a seminar organized by NBA Ikeja, Dr. Ijeoma addressed young lawyers regarding the swift advancement of the digital economy. He articulated that data has become the cornerstone of contemporary technological progress, akin to how oil once fueled industrial economies.
He pointed out that industries such as banking, fintech, healthcare, telecommunications, insurance, e-commerce, education, cybersecurity, and government services are now heavily reliant on personal data and AI-driven technologies.
He noted that while artificial intelligence presents vast commercial and technological possibilities, it also introduces significant legal, ethical, and regulatory challenges, including privacy violations, automated decision-making, discrimination, cybersecurity risks, transparency issues, and accountability concerns.
He emphasized that the increasing dependence on digital systems has led to a heightened demand for lawyers skilled in governance frameworks, cybersecurity compliance, lawful data processing, vendor management, consent management, and cross-border data transfers in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
Dr. Ijeoma highlighted that the contemporary lawyer must transcend traditional legal practice by becoming technology-savvy, commercially astute, and data-conscious, as businesses increasingly seek legal professionals who can assist them in innovating responsibly while safeguarding trust, reputation, and revenue.
He further characterized data privacy and AI governance as one of the most significant emerging career opportunities for young lawyers in Nigeria, asserting that those who cultivate expertise in this area now will remain highly relevant in a changing legal landscape where the demand for skilled specialists is currently escalating.
NBA Organises Young Lawyers Seminar On Data Privacy And AI Governance
