A Lagos State University Professor, Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin, has called for a comprehensive statutory framework to govern artificial intelligence in Nigeria, warning that the rapid integration of AI into everyday life could outpace the country’s ability to manage its risks.
According to him, Nigeria needs to move urgently towards a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for artificial intelligence as AI systems increasingly influence how people access information, make decisions and interact with technology, a professor of Computer Science at Lagos State University.
Professor Enikuomehin made the call on Tuesday, 25th August, 2026, while delivering LASU’s 127th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Thinking Machines and the Future of Thinking: Cyberphysicalism, the Transformation of Human Thought and the Emergence of an Artificial Intelligence Driven Algorithmic Society.”
The professor argued that the central challenge posed by AI is no longer simply whether machines can perform tasks associated with human intelligence, but how increasing reliance on algorithmic systems is changing human cognition and decision-making.
According to him, the growing integration of AI into everyday activities makes governance an increasingly urgent issue.
Professor proposes seven-layer AI governance framework
As part of his presentation, Enikuomehin proposed what he described as an AI Governance Stack, a seven-layer framework intended to promote responsible and accountable deployment of artificial intelligence.
The framework covers infrastructure security, data governance, algorithmic accountability, explainability, ethical oversight, regulatory compliance and assessment of AI’s wider societal impact.
He argued that weaknesses in one layer of AI governance could undermine safeguards in other areas, particularly where AI systems depend on large quantities of data and automated decision-making.
Enikuomehin therefore called for legislation that clearly defines the governance mechanisms required at different stages of the development and deployment of AI systems.
He also proposed the establishment of an independent National AI Research and Governance Council that would assess the social consequences of AI, advise government on policy and represent Nigeria in international discussions on AI governance.
Nigeria’s Existing AI policy and related regulation
The call for dedicated AI legislation comes against the background of steps already taken by Nigeria to develop an AI ecosystem and regulate aspects of digital technology.
Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy recognises the opportunities presented by AI while identifying challenges including ethical use, algorithmic transparency, data privacy and potential disruption to employment. The strategy also emphasises the need for inclusive and participatory governance of AI.
The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, under NITDA, currently identifies AI policy and ethics as one of its strategic priorities, including the development of ethical frameworks, promotion of algorithmic fairness, accountability and transparency, and support for responsible AI deployment. (ncair.nitda.gov.ng)
NITDA also has a statutory mandate under the NITDA Act 2007 to develop standards, guidelines and regulations for information technology practices in Nigeria.
In addition, the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 provides an existing legal framework relevant to AI systems that process personal data. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission says the Act is designed to protect data subjects’ rights, regulate the processing of personal data and promote fair, lawful and accountable data-processing practices.
The Commission has also taken a specific position on emerging AI-related privacy concerns. In February 2026, it joined international data protection authorities in issuing a statement on AI-generated imagery and privacy, warning about risks associated with realistic AI-generated images and videos involving identifiable individuals without their knowledge or consent.
The emerging regulatory picture therefore consists of several existing laws, institutions and policy instruments rather than a complete absence of AI governance.
The issue raised by Enikuomehin is whether those existing measures are sufficient to provide a comprehensive, dedicated and coordinated legal framework for AI as the technology becomes increasingly embedded in Nigerian society.
AI and the risk of widening inequality
Beyond regulation, the LASU professor warned that unequal access to digital infrastructure could determine who benefits from AI.
He called for wider broadband access, affordable digital devices and reliable electricity, arguing that without such infrastructure, AI could deepen existing social and economic inequalities rather than reduce them.
The concern is particularly relevant in a country where access to reliable electricity, high-speed internet and affordable digital technology remains uneven.
Enikuomehin also urged Nigerians to approach AI-generated information with caution by questioning and verifying outputs rather than treating machine-generated information as inherently accurate.
He emphasised the importance of protecting personal information and maintaining human judgment as AI becomes more deeply integrated into everyday life.
The legal Question facing Nigeria
The debate is therefore shifting from whether Nigeria should embrace artificial intelligence to how the technology should be governed while its adoption accelerates.
A dedicated AI law could potentially address areas that cut across existing regulatory regimes, including algorithmic accountability, transparency, risk assessment, automated decision-making, safety standards, responsibility for AI-generated harm and oversight of high-risk AI systems.
Any such framework would, however, need to operate alongside existing legislation rather than create conflicting regulatory mandates.
For VineLegal, the significance of the LASU lecture lies in this emerging legal question: Can Nigeria’s existing laws and institutions adequately govern an increasingly AI-driven society, or does the country need a dedicated AI statute to establish clearer rules of accountability?
That question is likely to become increasingly important as government agencies, businesses, educational institutions and individuals expand their use of artificial intelligence.
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