The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation, with both countries strengthening cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) governance, cybersecurity, data protection and digital trade standards.
The renewed commitment followed a series of engagements by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in Nigeria, including an executive workshop on AI governance and standards organised in partnership with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) under the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme.
The workshop brought together senior government officials, regulators and technology practitioners to explore how internationally recognised standards can support responsible AI adoption, risk management and institutional oversight.
Participants examined frameworks including ISO/IEC 42001, which provides requirements for AI management systems, and ISO/IEC 23894, which offers guidance on AI risk management.
The initiative builds on years of collaboration between BSI and Nigerian institutions, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and NCAIR.
UK Emphasises Standards for Responsible AI
Speaking at a reception marking the workshop’s conclusion in Abuja, Grace Bell, First Secretary for Economic Partnerships and Digital at the British High Commission, said trusted standards and effective governance would be essential to unlocking AI’s economic and social benefits.
She noted that cooperation between the UK and Nigeria reflects a shared commitment to making standards practical tools for innovation, investment, trade and public trust.
Bell also highlighted opportunities to expand collaboration across digital trade, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, data protection, electronic waste management and e-health.
Representing the Nigerian government, NCAIR National Coordinator Dr. Olubunmi Ajala stressed the importance of developing national expertise and institutional capacity to oversee emerging technologies.
The workshop was held at the Afreximbank Trade Centre in Abuja, where participating officials were recognised for completing the programme.
Beyond AI governance, BSI also engaged government agencies, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s climate finance team to explore electronic waste management and digital trade standards.
Broader UK-Nigeria Partnership Gains Momentum
The AI governance initiative comes as Nigeria and the UK seek to strengthen cooperation across a wider range of sectors, including security, trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, transport and industrial development.
At a separate meeting in Abuja on October 21, 2026, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed met Christiana Scott, Director-General of the Diplomatic Network at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Their discussions focused on advancing commitments made during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK and ensuring existing bilateral agreements produce measurable outcomes.
Ahmed identified the Defence and Security Partnership and the Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue as important frameworks for improving coordination between both countries. He also called for greater access to the UK market for Nigerian products and highlighted opportunities for technology transfer, local value addition and job creation.
Scott acknowledged Nigeria’s economic reform efforts and expressed interest in expanding British business participation in the country, including through planned business engagements in Lagos focused on investment opportunities in the port sector.
Both sides also discussed regional security, counterterrorism, democratic governance, misinformation, and the challenges posed by AI-generated content.
Focus on Implementation and Economic Benefits
The two engagements highlight the growing importance of institutional cooperation as Nigeria develops its digital economy and pursues broader economic reforms.
While the AI standards partnership focuses on building the expertise and frameworks needed for trustworthy technology adoption, the wider diplomatic discussions emphasise trade, investment, security and economic development.
For Nigeria, translating these commitments into practical results will depend on sustained coordination among government institutions, effective implementation of standards and clear mechanisms for measuring progress.
The UK has reiterated its intention to continue supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation through partnerships aimed at strengthening governance, encouraging innovation and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
Source: Voice of Nigeria | BusinessDay NG