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Ethical and Legal Considerations in the Deployment of AI for Data Protection Compliance in Nigeria
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Computer Science
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714120
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a critical enabler of digital transformation across industries, particularly in regulatory and compliance environments. In Nigeria, the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2024 establishes a comprehensive framework for protecting citizens’ personal information and enforcing responsible data practices. However, the deployment of AI systems for data protection compliance introduces new ethical and legal complexities related to privacy, fairness, transparency, and accountability. This paper examines these issues by analyzing the ethical dilemmas and legal implications associated with AI-driven data protection compliance in Nigeria. Using a qualitative analytical approach, the paper explores the alignment between AI governance principles and NDPA provisions. It emphasizes the need for explainable AI, algorithmic accountability, and human oversight to ensure lawful, fair, and transparent data processing. The study concludes that a balance between technological innovation and ethical responsibility is essential for fostering public trust and sustaining Nigeria’s data governance ecosystem.
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence, NDPA 2024, Ethics, Legal Compliance, Data Protection.
References
[1] Bello, R., & James, T. (2023). Ethical challenges of artificial intelligence in Nigeria: Risks and opportunities. African Journal of Digital Ethics, 5(2), 45-62.
[2] European Commission. (2021). General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32016R067
[3] Kim, S., & Lee, J. (2023). Algorithmic accountability and transparency in AI systems: An international perspective. Journal of AI Ethics, 12(1), 15-30.
[4] Nigeria Data Protection Act. (2024). Nigerian legislation on data protection. https://www.nigeria.gov.ng/data-protection-act
[5] Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). (2019). Regulatory framework for data protection in Nigeria. National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). https://nitda.gov.ng/ndpr
[6] NITDA Guidelines on Data Management and Privacy. (2022). Standards and best practices. Nigeria National Information Technology Development Agency. https://nitda.gov.ng/guidelines
[7] Obiora, C., Nwogu, O., & Eze, O. (2023). Ethical considerations in AI deployment for data governance in Nigeria. African Journal of Technology and Ethics, 7(3), 112-129.
[8] OECD. (2019). OECD principles on artificial intelligence. https://oecd.org/going-digital/ai/principles/
[9] Olayemi, A., & Danjuma, S. (2024). Aligning Nigeria’s data protection laws with international frameworks: Challenges and prospects. Nigerian Journal of Law and Technology, 8(1), 78-95.
[10] Olayemi, A., & Danjuma, S. (2024). Aligning Nigeria’s data protection laws with international frameworks: Challenges and prospects. Nigerian Journal of Law and Technology, 8(1), 78-95.
[11] Rahman, M., & Adebayo, T. (2022). Ethical and legal dimensions of AI in data governance: A review. International Journal of Data Security & Privacy, 16*(4), 80-95.
[12] Scholarly articles on AI ethics and governance. (2019–2024). Various authors. Journal articles and reports published in peer-reviewed journals and policy outlets.
How to cite this paper
@article{1714120,
author = {Musa, Muhammed, Musa, Aminu, Segu Tonye George, Ziakegha Lucky Tonbrapagha, Sanu Momoidu Kabiru; Amaogbo, Anderline},
title = {Ethical and Legal Considerations in the Deployment of AI for Data Protection Compliance in Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {8},
pages = {263-268},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714120.pdf},
abstract = {Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a critical enabler of digital transformation across industries, particularly in regulatory and compliance environments. In Nigeria, the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2024 establishes a comprehensive framework for protecting citizens’ personal information and enforcing responsible data practices. However, the deployment of AI systems for data protection compliance introduces new ethical and legal complexities related to privacy, fairness, transparency, and accountability. This paper examines these issues by analyzing the ethical dilemmas and legal implications associated with AI-driven data protection compliance in Nigeria. Using a qualitative analytical approach, the paper explores the alignment between AI governance principles and NDPA provisions. It emphasizes the need for explainable AI, algorithmic accountability, and human oversight to ensure lawful, fair, and transparent data processing. The study concludes that a balance between technological innovation and ethical responsibility is essential for fostering public trust and sustaining Nigeria’s data governance ecosystem.},
keywords = {Artificial Intelligence, NDPA 2024, Ethics, Legal Compliance, Data Protection.},
month = {February},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714120}
}