TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE AND RIGHTS-BASED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in national development strategies, its dual potential to either advance or undermine sustainable development and human rights demands urgent scholarly and regulatory attention. In Nigeria, the integration of AI technologies in sectors such as healthcare, education, and environmental management presents remarkable opportunities for accelerating progress towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the lack of a coherent legal and policy framework for AI governance exposes the country to serious risks, including algorithmic bias, data privacy violations, and social exclusion, that could aggravate existing inequalities and infringe upon human rights. This study examines the intersection of AI, sustainable development, and human rights in Nigeria, and proposes an inclusive and rights-based AI governance framework for the country. The study assesses the adequacy of Nigeria’s current AI governance framework, identifying key challenges to include regulatory gaps, weak data protection enforcement, and limited stakeholder participation. In response, the study offers targeted legal and policy recommendations grounded in international best practices and ethical principles: the development of sector-specific AI legislation, the institutionalization of multi-stakeholder governance mechanisms, and the promotion of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in AI design and deployment. Importantly, the study argues that aligning AI governance with sustainable development and human rights imperatives is not only a legal and ethical necessity, but also a strategic pathway for Nigeria to harness AI as a force for equitable and inclusive growth.