The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has teamed up with ICT companies to test Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a safe way. They are using regulatory sandboxes to check how AI can be used for data protection while also promoting innovation across borders.
The NDPC made this announcement during a one-day event in Abuja called “Co-Creation Lab on Africa Sandboxes for AI.” The event focused on how sandboxes can help developers test AI tools safely and help Africa grow in technology.
NDPC Wants Safe and Fair Use of AI in Nigeria
During the event, Ms. Adaobi Nwankwo, Head of Innovation at NDPC, represented Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner. She said sandboxes will help guide how AI is built and used in Nigeria.
According to her, the goal is to make sure AI tools follow the rules of the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA). These sandboxes will also promote trust, fairness, and accountability, while giving AI creators a space to test their tools legally.
Dr. Olatunji added that these testing spaces must operate under real laws to make sure the tools are safe and follow national standards.
NCC Supports the Use of Sandboxes for Smart Policy
Dr. Aminu Maida, head of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said AI can improve services like public infrastructure and internet networks. But he warned that AI also brings legal and ethical problems.
Represented by Mr. Babagana Digima, Deputy Director of New Media at NCC, Maida said sandboxes allow developers to test AI under expert supervision. This helps reduce risks and encourages smart, evidence-based policymaking.
He also noted that NCC is aligning this effort with Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy, Digital Economy Policy, and Data Protection Act.
Experts Call for United Data Rules in Africa
Dr. Jimson Olufuye, from Kontemporary Konsulting, urged African countries to work together on data rules. He said shared regulations will make it easier to move data across borders and grow AI solutions faster.
Olufuye stressed that sandboxes should support AI systems that work well across West Africa. He warned that different data rules in African countries could slow down progress if not fixed.
Ms. Morine Amutorine, Africa Lead at the Datasphere Initiative, said AI sandboxes can work in any country, no matter how advanced their rules are. She explained that sandboxes help test new ideas and highlight where new or better rules are needed.
At the event, a new report titled “African Sandbox Outlook” showed how sandboxes are already helping African countries test AI safely. The report said these tools are critical for solving data problems, creating new ideas, and unlocking economic value from data.
The NDPC and its partners believe these sandboxes will help Nigeria and other African countries lead in digital innovation, while keeping people’s data safe.
- SEC Drops Binance Case in Crypto Policy U-Turn
- Nigeria and Mali Face Surge in DDoS Attacks, Report reveals
- EFCC Recovers Funds from CBEX Crypto Scam—Ola Olukoyede
- Nigeria Urged to Tackle Rising Cyber Threats with Unified Action
- TeKnowledge Unveils AI-First Services, Renews Focus on Nigeria
- PWAN Counters SEC’s Ponzi Scheme Allegation
2 replies on “NDPC to unveil AI Sandboxes to Boost Data Protection”
[…] National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) plans to introduce new rules to control the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s media space. The agency announced this move on Friday during a press conference […]
[…] State has launched the Arewa Ladies for Tech programme to train 5,000 young women in data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital skills. The state announced this initiative on Monday to close the gender gap in […]