Nigeria, China urged to strengthen AI cooperation with clear governance rules - Businessday NG
Stakeholders have called on Nigeria and China to deepen cooperation on artificial intelligence by developing people centred policies, strengthening digital infrastructure and investing in local talent,. . .
Stakeholders have called on Nigeria and China to deepen cooperation on artificial intelligence by developing people centred policies, strengthening digital infrastructure and investing in local talent, warning that Africa risks being left behind if it remains a consumer rather than a creator of emerging technologies. Read also:NACCIMA seeks China investment to boost Nigeria& $1trn economy planThe call was made at the third Lagos Forum 2026, themed “A People Centred Approach to AI Governance: Nigeria China Cooperation to Bridge the Divide,”. The event held on Wednesday was jointly organised by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs(NIIA) and the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University in China (IASZNU). Speakers said artificial intelligence offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to transform its economy, improve public services and create new jobs, but stressed that success will depend on responsible governance, stronger digital infrastructure, skilled talent and policies that ensure the technology benefits everyone. Representing the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Eghosa Osaghae, Femi Otubanjo, said artificial intelligence is already reshaping economies around the world, bringing both opportunities and new risks. “The question is no longer whether AI will shape our future, but how we can govern it responsibly for the benefit of humanity,” he said. Read also:Alibaba unveils world’s largest open-weight AI model as China intensifies challenge to OpenAIOtubanjo noted that while AI could accelerate Nigeria’s social and economic development and improve its global competitiveness, critical gaps remain in digital infrastructure, technical expertise, research capacity, regulation and investment. He said cooperation between Nigeria and China should move beyond technology transfer to include joint research, capacity building, policy dialogue and the development of ethical and transparent AI governance frameworks. “China is one of the world’s leading AI innovators, while Nigeria has a large youthful population and a dynamic technology ecosystem. That partnership should help build capacity and strengthen institutions,” he said. Yan Yuqing, China’s Consul General in Lagos, said rapid advances in artificial intelligence have created new ethical and data security challenges, calling for greater international cooperation to ensure technology is used responsibly. She criticised attempts by some countries to restrict Chinese technology on national security grounds, insisting that innovation should remain open and accessible. Related NewsFULL LIST: UK organisations approved to hire researchers, others under global talent schemeHere are the 5 Caribbean countries facing EU citizenship-by-investment banAlausa inaugurates NBTE board, unveils TVET reform agenda to drive industrialisation“Technology should benefit everyone,” she said, adding that China’s AI development is guided by the principles of openness, innovation, security, inclusiveness and global governance. Read also:Over 44,000 Nigerians flew Emirates in 4 months as China, UK, UAE ranked top destinationsYan said China would provide developing countries with more artificial intelligence training and seminar opportunities over the next five years, describing African countries as emerging engines of AI development. Efem Ubi, Professor a professor at the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University said Africa must move from being a consumer of technology to becoming an active participant in creating it. “Africa has always been at the receiving end. We don’t want to remain at the receiving end,” he said. “What we need is inclusivity and ownership. We should be part and parcel of the development of that technology. That gives us ownership. ”Ubi also urged Nigeria to play a more active role in shaping global AI policy, revealing that the country was absent from a recent World Artificial Intelligence Conference agreement signed by 29 countries, including nine African nations. “We are the country that mostly uses AI in Africa. We are the largest economy and one of the biggest countries on the continent. Nigeria should play a very prominent role in terms of governance, regulation and the legal framework,” he said. Speaking on Nigeria’s preparedness for the AI era, Osaghae said the country must recognise that it is already behind and act quickly to catch up. “The role we are placed in is to be fast learners and determined learners,” he said. “We have to get our government to invest in that learning process. We are already behind because people have been working on AI for more than a decade, and today it is everywhere. ”The speakers agreed that as artificial intelligence becomes a defining force in global development, Nigeria must invest in skills, innovation and regulation while building stronger international partnerships to ensure it is not left behind in the next wave of technological transformation. Faith OmoboyeFaith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.