Digital policy expert Ogbodo Chukwuebuka has advocated for a well-rounded and strategic framework for Nigeria’s digital policies. In a recent interview, Chukwuebuka, an LLM scholar at Harvard Law School focusing on Technology and AI policy, called on the Federal Government to establish policies fostering Innovation and economic progress. In this framework, he emphasised the necessity of addressing significant issues, including misinformation, content handling, data privacy, and national security. Ogbodo pointed out that at this pivotal moment in the digital landscape, a sophisticated approach is essential, one that fosters growth and innovation while mitigating possible dangers.
There is a need for a digital framework that not only prioritises technological progress but also encompasses wider elements of economic strategy, governance, and societal advancement. A report from McKinsey forecasts that Nigeria’s digital sector could account for as much as 45 percent of the nation’s GDP by the year 2025. This remarkable potential highlights the need for a well-thought-out policy structure promoting sustainable development. He emphasised that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers distinctive chances for economic progress, it also entails specific risks, especially for developing economies such as Nigeria.
AI should be leveraged for both the nation’s economy and its people.
He stated that Nigeria, similar to several other emerging nations, has traditionally engaged in AI advancements from a less skilled angle. He claimed that the current challenge is to enhance Nigeria’s position within the international digital arena and fully leverage AI’s advantages for both the nation’s Economy and its people. It’s essential to increase the country’s engagement and make certain that it is reaping the fullest advantages of AI while prioritising safety and fostering mutual benefit,
Citing McKinsey’s research on generative AI, he mentioned that AI might generate an annual impact ranging from $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion across different industries worldwide. For Nigeria, this poses a significant chance to harness value by developing regulations that safeguard its citizens while fostering expansion in the digital landscape. Ogbodo emphasised the significance of cooperative policy development that includes various participants, as well as efforts to boost digital literacy, encourage local innovation, and ensure data localisation and security.
All digital platforms should be held accountable without prohibitions.
Additionally, he pushed for strategies centred on enhancing and retraining the labour force to equip them for a future that is progressively influenced by artificial intelligence. In discussing the larger framework of digital governance, Ogbodo highlighted Nigeria’s 2021 Twitter suspension as a crucial lesson in executing policy. He contended that systems must be established to ensure digital platforms are held accountable without resorting to complete prohibitions. Creating policies that empower citizens to critically analyse online information and engage actively in the Digital Economy is essential.
Speaking further, he suggested a comprehensive regulatory approach for Africa by utilising the African Union’s collaborative methods, to create an equitable governance system for AI technologies and digital platforms. He emphasised the importance of this system in upholding essential digital rights, tackling ethical issues, and promoting digital advancement. Through a collaborative strategy, Nigeria has the potential to enhance its influence internationally, improve the credibility of its digital regulations, and minimise disunity in Africa’s digital ecosystem.
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Moreover. he added that careful Policymaking as well as interaction with all key players will enable the country to establish itself as a frontrunner in the worldwide digital marketplace. He advocates for a comprehensive digital policy that recognises the importance of harmonising innovation with regulation. His focus on teamwork, enhancing digital skills, and a unified African framework suggests a promising future where Nigeria can excel in the digital landscape while safeguarding and uplifting its populace.