Nigeria and the United Kingdom are strengthening their partnership on artificial intelligence (AI) governance, digital standards and technology regulation as both countries seek to promote responsible innovation and expand opportunities within the digital economy.
The renewed commitment followed engagements by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in Nigeria, including an executive workshop on AI governance and standards organised in partnership with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) under the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme.
The programme brought together senior government officials, regulators and technology practitioners to examine how internationally recognised standards can help Nigeria manage AI-related risks, improve institutional oversight and build confidence in emerging technologies.
The collaboration comes as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly relevant to business operations, public administration, healthcare, financial services and other sectors. While the technology offers opportunities to improve productivity and service delivery, its deployment also raises questions about accountability, data privacy, cybersecurity and the management of potential risks.
For Nigeria, the challenge is not simply to encourage the development and adoption of AI solutions. It is also to establish the frameworks and institutional capacity needed to ensure that these systems are trustworthy, secure and beneficial to businesses and citizens.
International standards at the centre of the partnership
During the workshop, participants examined internationally recognised frameworks designed to guide organisations in managing AI systems and their associated risks.
Among the standards discussed were ISO/IEC 42001, which provides requirements for AI management systems, and ISO/IEC 23894, which offers guidance on AI risk management.
These frameworks can help organisations establish clearer processes for identifying risks, assigning responsibilities, monitoring AI systems and improving accountability throughout their deployment.
Their relevance extends beyond technology companies. Government agencies adopting AI for public services, financial institutions using automated systems and businesses integrating AI into their operations may all need appropriate governance arrangements to manage risks and maintain public confidence.
The broader partnership also covers digital trust, data governance, cybersecurity, smart infrastructure, digital public services and electronic waste management. Potential areas for further cooperation include e-health and digital trade.
The British Standards Institution has worked with Nigerian institutions over several years to support capacity building, policy engagement and awareness of international standards for emerging technologies.
Its Nigerian partners include the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Data Protection Council (NDPC) and NCAIR, alongside other relevant stakeholders.
UK highlights investment and economic opportunities
Speaking at the programme’s closing reception, Grace Bell, First Secretary for Economic Partnerships and Digital at the British High Commission in Nigeria, said strong governance frameworks and trusted standards were essential to realising AI’s economic and social benefits.
She emphasised that the UK’s cooperation with Nigerian institutions reflects a shared understanding that standards can support innovation, investment, trade and public trust.
Bell also described the partnership as a platform for wider cooperation on digital trade, AI governance, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity and data protection.
The economic significance is substantial. Where businesses and investors have greater confidence in how technology is governed, they may find it easier to assess risks, develop partnerships and introduce digital products and services.
Alignment with recognised standards can also help organisations demonstrate that their systems follow established management and risk-control practices. However, the extent to which this translates into increased investment or improved market access will depend on implementation, institutional coordination and the practical requirements facing businesses.
Nigeria seeks stronger national capacity
Representing the Nigerian government, NCAIR National Coordinator Dr Olubunmi Ajala welcomed the continued support from the UK Government and BSI, highlighting the importance of developing national capacity for AI governance.
His remarks underscored the need to move beyond discussions about emerging technologies towards building institutions and practical expertise that can support Nigeria’s own technology ambitions.
The workshop concluded with a reception at the Afreximbank trade centre in Abuja, where participating officials were recognised after completing the programme.
The initiative is expected to contribute to a growing pool of public-sector officials, regulators and technology practitioners equipped to support responsible AI adoption across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
What happens next?
The central question is whether the knowledge gained through the programme will translate into stronger policies, more effective oversight and consistent adoption of relevant standards across Nigerian institutions.
Training officials is an important starting point, but lasting impact will require agencies to apply the frameworks in their day-to-day operations, coordinate their responsibilities and ensure that governance arrangements keep pace with technological developments.
For businesses, particularly startups and technology firms, clearer expectations around AI management and risk could provide a more predictable environment for developing and deploying new products.
For citizens, effective implementation could help strengthen safeguards around personal information, improve accountability and build confidence in AI-powered services.
The Nigeria–UK partnership therefore represents an important step towards strengthening the foundations of Nigeria’s digital economy. Its ultimate value, however, will be measured not by workshops alone, but by the standards adopted, the institutions strengthened and the practical improvements Nigerians experience as digital technologies become more widely used.