Where are the ethical guidelines? Examining the governance of digital technologies and AI in Nigeria

The Nigerian government, under the administrations of Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023) and Bola Tinubu (2023–2027), has made continued attempts to harness the opportunities of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to boost economic growth and development. However, these technologies have also raised ethical and security concerns within their production and usage, requiring regulatory policies from the government. Within this context, this study examines the space for ethical guidelines and data protection in the Nigerian government’s approach to digital technologies and AI. Through a review of digital technology policy documents, we show that the Buhari government prioritized policy-driven approaches to digital technologies. On the other hand, Tinubu’s administration has started with a policy-and-research approach that involves both the public and private sectors. However, despite these differences, this study argues that neither administration has paid much attention to the ethical guidelines of data, digital technologies, and AI. This study contributes to the global discourse on digital technology’s social impacts, particularly in regions like Africa.