The United Kingdom has pledged its support to Nigeria’s artificial intelligence (AI) governance agenda, as it seeks to boost collaboration to drive the adoption of responsible AI and further digital transformation.
The commitment comes as the British Standards Institution (BSI), the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and other government agencies in Nigeria engage in a partnership under the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme. The collaboration will facilitate Nigeria’s efforts to regulate, manage and control emerging technologies.
An executive-level workshop on AI governance and standards, which saw the participation of government officials, regulators and tech practitioners, was among the highlights of the partnership.
In the workshop, participants deliberated on international standards for AI governance and management systems, including ISO/IEC 42001 and ISO/IEC 23894.
The partnership involves the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in addition to the NCAIR and the British Standards Institution.
Grace Bell, First Secretary for Economic Partnerships and Digital at the British High Commission, speaking on the collaboration, stressed the need for countries to adopt responsible AI that is supported by appropriate institutional mechanisms, governance systems, and standards.
Ms. Bell further asserted that international standards would provide a conducive environment for innovation, boosting investments, trade, and consumer confidence, as well as ensure that new technologies are implemented safely and securely.
On his part, NCAIR National Coordinator, Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, recognised the need to build Nigeria’s institutional capacity to regulate new technology frontiers while acknowledging the partnership and support of the UK Government and the British Standards Institution.
In addition to AI, the partnership will cover cybersecurity, data protection, digital public infrastructure, smart infrastructure, digital services and electronic waste management.
The cooperation between the UK and Nigeria comes as the latter seeks to transform itself into an AI economy, a development that will require sustained efforts to ensure that policies on digital innovation bear fruits on the ground.
Both countries are poised to continue collaborating to drive standards-based innovation and realise an inclusive, safe, and prosperous digital economy.
UK Signals Stronger Support for Nigeria’s AI Governance Agenda
