Can Artificial Intelligence Be Regulated? Why Nigeria Cannot Afford to Wait – Gbolahan Charles Oloye

Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Alien Intelligence as I like to call it is rapidly becoming one of the most influential technologies of the 21st century. From healthcare and education to banking, agriculture and governance, AI is transforming how societies function. It can analyse vast amounts of data within seconds, support decision-making, improve productivity and create new economic opportunities. Yet, as AI becomes more powerful, an important question emerges: can it be regulated?

The answer is yes, but the greater question is whether governments are willing to act quickly enough to keep pace with technological change.

Why AI Needs Regulation

Every major technological revolution has required some form of regulation. The banking sector, telecommunications industry and aviation sector all operate within legal frameworks designed to protect the public while encouraging innovation. Artificial intelligence should be no exception. Regulation is not about restricting technology. Rather, it is about ensuring that technology serves people responsibly. AI systems increasingly make decisions that affect access to jobs, financial services, healthcare and information. Without oversight, these systems can operate with little transparency or accountability. The goal of regulation should therefore be to establish clear rules on how AI is developed, deployed and monitored, while protecting fundamental rights and encouraging innovation.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

One of the greatest risks is the spread of misinformation. AI can now generate highly realistic images, videos and audio recordings that are almost impossible to distinguish from genuine content. In a country like Nigeria, where elections and public discourse often generate intense debate, manipulated content could easily mislead voters, fuel tensions and weaken trust in democratic institutions. Privacy is another concern. AI systems depend on large amounts of personal data. Without adequate safeguards, individuals may lose control over how their information is collected, stored and used. This creates opportunities for abuse, exploitation and identity theft. There is also the problem of bias. AI learns from data, and if that data reflects existing social inequalities, the technology may reproduce or even amplify discrimination. An automated recruitment system, for example, could unfairly disadvantage qualified candidates based on flawed training data.

Economically, AI could widen inequality if governments fail to prepare workers for technological change. While automation may create new opportunities, it may also replace some forms of employment. Without investment in digital skills and retraining programmes, many people could find themselves excluded from the benefits of the digital economy.

National security is another area of concern. Criminal networks can use AI for sophisticated cyberattacks, online scams and financial fraud. The same technology that can help security agencies fight crime can also empower those seeking to undermine public safety.

What Should Nigeria Do?

Nigeria stands at a critical moment. The country has the opportunity to harness AI for development while avoiding many of the risks associated with its misuse.

The government should establish a comprehensive legal framework for AI governance. Such regulations should promote transparency, accountability and responsible innovation.

Secondly, regulators should adopt a risk-based approach. AI systems used in sensitive sectors such as healthcare, elections, public administration and financial services should face stricter scrutiny than low-risk applications.

In addition,Nigeria must strengthen data protection and privacy safeguards. Citizens should have confidence that their personal information will not be exploited without their knowledge or consent. Also investment in digital education is essential. Schools, universities and vocational institutions must equip young Nigerians with the skills required for an AI-driven economy. Preparing the workforce for technological change is as important as regulating the technology itself.

The government should also support local researchers, innovators and technology start-ups.

Nigeria’s long-term success in the AI era will depend not only on how well it regulates the technology but also on how effectively it develops local expertise and solutions.

Finally, ollaboration is key. Government agencies, universities, the private sector and civil society organisations must work together to create policies that reflect Nigerian realities and priorities.

Artificial intelligence is advancing at a remarkable speed. Unfortunately, public policy often moves much more slowly. This creates a dangerous gap between what technology can do and what institutions are prepared to manage.

Nigeria cannot afford to be a passive observer in this revolution. The country must take deliberate steps to ensure that AI remains a tool for progress rather than a source of division, inequality or harm. The real challenge is not whether AI can be regulated. It is whether Nigeria can develop the vision, institutions and political will necessary to regulate it effectively. The future of artificial intelligence is already here. The time to shape that future is now

Gbolahan Charles Oloye ( B.Ed, M.Sc, M.A ) is a researcher, educator, and policy professional with an interdisciplinary background spanning international relations, political science, African regional affairs, governance, security studies, education, public policy, programme implementation, and strategic communication.