As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries worldwide, its adoption among Nigerian businesses is gaining significant momentum. In Nigeria, businesses across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and digital services, are increasingly adopting AI technologies to improve operational efficiency, drive innovation, and gain a competitive edge in both local and global markets. While the benefits of AI adoption are vast and transformative, they also bring forth significant legal and governance challenges. The absence of comprehensive regulatory frameworks, concerns over data privacy and protection, and the need for ethical guidelines present challenges that Nigerian businesses must navigate carefully when adopting AI.
AI ADOPTION IN NIGERIA: LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR NIGERIAN BUSINESSES by Aderonke Alex-Adedipe and Qasim Ogunjimi
This newsletter highlights the legal considerations surrounding AI adoption; the importance of robust governance, accountability, and ethical practices for businesses in Nigeria and beyond.
Legal Considerations for AI Adoption
To effectively navigate the legal aspects of AI adoption, Nigerian businesses should consider these major factors;
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Regulatory Compliance:
Despite the absence of specific AI regulations, various existing laws may indirectly influence AI deployment and use in Nigeria. Some of the provisions of these regulations are analysed below;
Data Protection: For example, the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) provides that a data subject shall not be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing of personal data except where there is human intervention, and the logic of the decision made is capable of being contested. The implication of this provision is that entities using AI to process personal data must ensure human oversight in their process. Additionally, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has also issued a draft General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), which requires data controllers or processors using emerging technologies, including AI, for personal data processing to consider the NDPA, public policy, and other regulatory instruments. When using emerging technologies, the GAID requires data controllers and processors pay particular attention to the various rights of data subjects and the implementation of privacy by design.
Consumer Protection: Similarly, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), which aims to prevent unfair trading practices and protect consumers, applies to businesses using AI in marketing or customer interactions. For instance, businesses employing AI-driven targeted marketing strategies must ensure that the algorithms do not engage in deceptive practices that mislead consumers about product features, pricing, or availability. Additionally, AI systems that automate customer service interactions must be designed to treat all customers equitably. If an AI system inadvertently discriminates against certain groups—whether through biased training data or algorithmic errors—it could lead to unfair treatment of consumers, violating the principles of the FCCPA. Thus, businesses must implement measures to identify and rectify biases within their AI systems to ensure compliance with FCCPA.
Digital Advisory: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Rules on Robo-Advisory Services (the “SEC Rules”) seeks to regulate digital advisory services- i.e the provision of investment advice using automated, algorithm-based tools which are client-facing, with little or no human adviser interaction in the advisory process. These rules mandate that Robo-Advisors (i.e a person who provides digital advisory services) implement measures to mitigate bias in their algorithms and ensure that clients are fully informed about the assumptions, limitations, and risks associated with the AI technologies used in providing advisory services.
In summary, while specific AI regulations are still forthcoming, businesses must comply with the NDPA, FCCPA and other applicable laws when developing and deploying AI technologies. Engaging legal counsel to navigate these complexities can significantly help in ensuring compliance and responsible AI adoption.
- Contractual Framework: When integrating AI technologies into their system, businesses must establish clear contractual framework to govern their relationship with AI developers or service providers. This framework is essential for mitigating risks and protecting the interests of all parties involved. Some of the key components of the contracts include defining liability for any malfunctions or errors, and specifying ownership rights regarding data, algorithms, and any outputs generated by the AI systems. Additionally, businesses should outline performance expectations in service level agreements (SLAs), covering aspects such as accuracy, reliability, and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Governance Framework: Implementing a comprehensive governance framework is essential for organizations adopting AI technologies, as it establishes the structures and processes needed to manage risks and ensure compliance with applicable laws and international best practices. This framework should include policies that outline the responsible use of AI, and processes to regularly evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of AI systems. Another component of this governance framework involves conducting regular risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities within AI systems and evaluate the potential impact of such vulnerabilities vis-a-vis compliance requirements.
- Transparency and Explainability: Transparency is a fundamental principle that organizations must prioritize when adopting AI technologies, particularly as these systems increasingly influence decision-making processes. Businesses must ensure that their operations involving AI are clear and understandable to stakeholders, including consumers, regulators, and employees. For example, under the SEC Rules, Robo Advisers are required to disclose, in writing, to their clients; assumptions, limitations, and risks of the algorithms; circumstances under which the Robo Adviser may override the algorithms or temporarily halt the Robo Advisory Service; and any material adjustments to the algorithms
In conclusion, as Nigerian businesses increasingly embrace AI technologies, understanding the associated legal considerations is crucial for successful adoption. With focus on the legal considerations explored in this newsletter, businesses may leverage the benefits of AI while maintaining regulatory compliance, upholding ethical standards and safeguarding their reputations.
