Nigeria faces AI governance gaps in telecom and public sectors

Artificial intelligence adoption is accelerating within Nigeria’s telecommunications and public sectors, often outpacing the establishment of formal governance and regulatory frameworks.

A survey by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that 73 percent of surveyed licensees are currently using or piloting AI in live operations. However, 27 percent of these organizations lack governance arrangements for their AI systems. The findings, presented at the NCC’s Internet Governance Symposium 2026, highlight potential risks regarding accountability, transparency, and consumer protection as automated systems increasingly manage service delivery and information processing.

In the public sector, research indicates that while AI can enhance crisis communication by detecting emerging issues and monitoring public sentiment, technology alone cannot ensure accuracy or public trust. Experts emphasize that human expertise, ethical standards, and reliable infrastructure remain essential to prevent the amplification of misinformation during emergencies such as security incidents or health crises.

There is significant industry support for transparency; 94 percent of survey respondents favored informing consumers when they are interacting with artificial intelligence.