NDPC Issues Fresh Warning on AI Bias

NDPC Warns Against AI Bias, Says Strong Data Protection Can Create Thousands of Jobs in Nigeria

• NDPC Warns AI Bias Could Harm Nigerians, Calls for Stronger Data Protection
• NDPC Reveals How Data Protection Is Powering Nigeria’s Digital Economy
• Nigeria’s Privacy Regulator Issues Fresh Warning on AI Bias
• NDPC Pushes for Ethical AI as Nigeria Accelerates Digital Transformation
• Strong Data Protection Is Key to Nigeria’s AI Future, NDPC Says
• NDPC: AI Must Protect Privacy if Nigeria Wants a Thriving Digital Economy

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries around the world, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is calling for stronger safeguards to ensure AI systems are fair, secure, and respectful of citizens’ privacy.

Speaking at the International Conference on Science, Technology & Innovation (STIConf 2026), the NDPC emphasized that responsible AI development must go hand in hand with robust data protection and cybersecurity if Nigeria is to unlock the full benefits of its digital economy.

Representing the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, Mr. Abubakar Mahmud of the Commission’s IT and Cybersecurity Department participated in a technical panel titled “Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence.” The discussion focused on how Nigeria can bridge the gap between research institutions and industry while using AI to drive national development.

NDPC Raises Concern Over AI Bias

During the session, Mahmud warned that artificial intelligence systems trained on incomplete or unbalanced datasets can produce biased outcomes that unfairly disadvantage certain groups.

He stressed the importance of implementing strict technical controls throughout the AI development process to reduce algorithmic bias and prevent the deployment of models that fail to adequately represent diverse populations.

According to the Commission, building trustworthy AI requires fairness, accountability, transparency, and strong data governance from the earliest stages of development.

Data Protection Driving New Career Opportunities

Beyond privacy and cybersecurity, the NDPC highlighted the economic impact of Nigeria’s growing data protection ecosystem.

Mahmud noted that compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act) is creating thousands of sustainable employment opportunities through licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) and certified Data Protection Officers (DPOs).

As more public and private organizations work to meet regulatory obligations, demand continues to grow for professionals specializing in privacy, cybersecurity, compliance, governance, and risk management.

Strengthening Trust in Nigeria’s Digital Economy

The NDPC also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure through proactive regulation, ecosystem resilience, and continuous cybersecurity oversight.

Mahmud pointed to recent nationwide cybersecurity drills conducted for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as part of broader efforts to improve cyber resilience across the public sector.

According to the Commission, ensuring that emerging technologies are secure, inclusive, and privacy-focused is essential for building public trust and accelerating digital transformation.

Preparing Nigeria for an AI-Driven Future

As AI adoption expands across finance, healthcare, education, government, and other sectors, the NDPC says protecting personal data and promoting ethical AI must remain national priorities.

The Commission believes that combining innovation with strong governance will not only safeguard citizens’ privacy rights but also position Nigeria to build a resilient digital economy capable of supporting long-term economic growth and job creation.