The Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa (GIAA) Conference recently convened in Abuja, drawing over 300 key stakeholders, including government officials from the United States and Nigeria, leaders from the private sector, civil society members, and academic experts. The conference served as a critical platform for discussing the vast opportunities and significant challenges associated with the development, deployment, and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) on the African continent.
One of the highlights of the event was the participation of Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). As a distinguished panelist during the “Interoperability in AI Governance, Data Protection, and Cybersecurity” session, Dr. Olatunji underscored the growing importance of AI and its impact on socio-economic development, with a particular focus on the crucial role of personal data in driving AI technologies.
Compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act
In his address, Dr. Olatunji outlined key steps that organizations must follow to comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), a legal framework designed to safeguard the privacy and data rights of individuals in the digital era. These steps include the implementation of robust organizational and technical measures, the establishment of clear privacy policies, the appointment of Data Protection Officers (DPOs), mandatory registration with the NDPC, and staff awareness campaigns aimed at fostering a culture of data protection.
“AI thrives on data, and protecting that data is non-negotiable for sustainable development,” Dr. Olatunji remarked. “Organizations must take proactive steps to ensure compliance with data protection laws, as this is crucial not only for the integrity of AI systems but also for the trust of the individuals whose data fuels these systems.”
International Cooperation and Collaboration
Beyond national compliance, Dr. Olatunji highlighted the pivotal role of international cooperation in AI governance, data protection, and cybersecurity. He emphasized that collaboration is foundational to ensuring the security of data in AI systems, stressing that AI must be trained to detect and defend against evolving cybersecurity threats. He referenced the Network of Africa Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) and the Global Privacy Assembly as key platforms where countries come together to share insights and strategies on data protection.
“Nigeria is an active member of these international networks, and we are proud to announce that we will be hosting the 2025 edition of the NADPA conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM),” Dr. Olatunji revealed. “This event will bring together data protection authorities and privacy experts from across Africa and beyond, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to fostering cooperation in data protection and AI governance.”
The announcement of Nigeria hosting the 2025 NADPA conference marks a significant milestone for the country, as it positions itself as a regional leader in data privacy and protection.
U.S.-Nigeria Partnership on AI Governance
The GIAA Conference also provided a forum for deeper collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fields of AI governance and data protection. Stakeholders from both countries engaged in dialogue on how to develop policies and frameworks that not only protect data but also enhance the interoperability of AI systems across borders.
The U.S. delegation at the conference commended Nigeria for its proactive stance on AI governance and data protection. They acknowledged that the growing partnership between both nations in this field will have far-reaching implications, not only for data security but also for economic development, as AI is poised to play a central role in the future of industries ranging from healthcare to financial services.
The Road Ahead
As AI continues to evolve, conferences like GIAA are becoming increasingly critical to addressing the ethical, legal, and technical issues surrounding its use. Dr. Olatunji’s participation in the GIAA Conference, along with Nigeria’s upcoming role as host of the 2025 NADPA conference, signals a strong commitment by the country to lead the conversation on AI governance and data protection in Africa.
The discussions at the GIAA Conference underscore the need for a collaborative approach to AI governance, not only within African nations but also in partnership with global players like the U.S. As Dr. Olatunji aptly noted, “The future of AI in Africa will depend on how well we work together to build trust in the systems that rely on personal data.”
The GIAA Conference marked a significant step forward in strengthening the U.S.-Nigeria partnership on AI, ensuring that both nations remain at the forefront of the global dialogue on artificial intelligence, data protection, and cybersecurity.
ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU
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