The United Kingdom and Nigeria have strengthened their collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI) governance and digital transformation, with both countries promoting international standards to improve regulatory oversight, build public trust and attract investment into Nigeria’s digital economy.
The partnership was highlighted during a four-day programme organised by the British Standards Institution (BSI), in collaboration with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), under the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme.
The programme featured an executive workshop on AI governance and standards, bringing together senior government officials, regulators and technology practitioners to explore practical strategies for managing AI-related risks, strengthening institutional oversight and ensuring the responsible deployment of emerging technologies.
Speaking at a high-level reception in Abuja to mark the conclusion of the programme, the British High Commission’s First Secretary for Economic Partnerships and Digital, Grace Bell, said AI offered significant opportunities for economic growth, innovation and social development but required effective governance to ensure its safe and responsible application.
“Artificial Intelligence presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, innovation and social development. However, realising these benefits requires the right governance frameworks, strong institutions and trusted standards that can underpin safe, secure and responsible adoption,” Bell said.
She noted that the partnership with BSI and Nigerian institutions demonstrated a shared commitment to making international standards a foundation for innovation, investment, trade and public confidence in emerging technologies.
According to her, collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy reflects the recognition that standards are strategic tools for strengthening the digital economy.
Bell added that aligning Nigeria’s AI governance framework with internationally recognised standards would support sustainable digital growth and create new opportunities for businesses, government institutions and citizens.
The workshop examined international frameworks for AI management, risk assessment and accountability, particularly ISO/IEC 42001, which specifies requirements for AI management systems, and ISO/IEC 23894, which provides guidance on AI risk management.
Other Nigerian institutions involved in the broader partnership include the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and NCAIR, with activities focusing on capacity-building, policy engagement and the adoption of international standards for emerging technologies.
Beyond AI governance, the collaboration covers digital trust, data governance, cybersecurity, smart infrastructure, digital public services and electronic waste management, reflecting efforts to establish common standards across Nigeria’s expanding digital ecosystem.
Representing the Nigerian government, NCAIR National Coordinator, Dr Olubunmi Ajala, emphasised the importance of developing local expertise and strengthening institutional capacity to regulate and manage AI technologies.
Ajala commended the UK Government and BSI for supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts, noting that the collaboration was moving beyond theoretical discussions towards practical measures to equip public institutions to address emerging technological challenges.
He also advocated the establishment of a permanent cross-government community of practice to sustain knowledge-sharing, improve coordination and strengthen cooperation among public institutions responsible for AI governance.
The programme concluded with the recognition of participating officials who completed the workshop, expanding the pool of public-sector personnel equipped to advance responsible AI adoption across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
In a related development, BSI held engagements with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Climate Finance team of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to examine electronic waste management models in Nigeria and identify opportunities for stronger cooperation on digital trade standards.
The engagements extended the partnership beyond AI regulation to address environmental challenges associated with digital expansion, particularly electronic waste management and the application of trusted standards to facilitate cross-border trade.
The initiative comes as Nigeria seeks to expand its digital economy and strengthen the regulatory frameworks governing emerging technologies.
The adoption of internationally recognised standards is expected to promote interoperability, improve cybersecurity and data protection, and provide clearer guidelines for organisations developing and deploying AI systems.
The British High Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with BSI and Nigerian institutions to promote standards-led innovation and support an inclusive, secure and sustainable digital economy.
