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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has announced a strategic partnership with private sector ICT companies to explore the deployment of adaptive regulatory sandboxes for Artificial Intelligence (AI). These sandboxes are intended to integrate AI into Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem, drive innovation, and promote cross-border digital collaboration.
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This development was unveiled during a one-day workshop held in Abuja, themed “Co-Creation Lab on Africa Sandboxes for AI”. The initiative aligns with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). It aims to encourage responsible AI practices that emphasize trust, transparency, fairness, and accountability.
Creating Safe Spaces for AI Experimentation and Policy Innovation
Speaking at the event, NDPC National Commissioner/CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji stressed the Commission’s commitment to leveraging regulatory sandboxes to test AI systems within live regulatory environments. He was represented by Ms. Adaobi Nwankwo, Head of the Innovation Unit.
“Our goal is to create a competitive but secure environment for AI developers and data scientists while addressing Africa’s unique socio-economic and technological challenges,” said Nwankwo.
She added that such sandbox frameworks will allow for real-time policy experimentation. This will help Nigeria balance innovation with robust privacy and data governance standards under the NDPA.
The NDPC, which recently hosted the 2025 NADPA-RAPDP Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja under the theme “Privacy, Trust, and Regulatory Innovation in a Data-Driven Africa,” emphasized that the integration of AI into Nigeria’s data protection framework has the potential to strengthen enforceability. It will also promote value-driven governance, and enable adaptive regulatory models—not only within Nigeria but across the African continent.
Pan-African Approach to AI and Data Innovation
Ms. Morine Amutorine, Africa Lead at the Datasphere Initiative, noted that AI sandboxes are not limited by regulatory maturity. They can be effectively introduced across African countries irrespective of the regulatory maturity. According to her, these environments allow stakeholders to pilot AI tools, evaluate policy gaps, and propose new or amended legislation.
“Sandboxes empower stakeholders to assess real-world impact of AI solutions while identifying regulatory improvements,” she said.
NCC: Balancing Innovation with Ethics
Echoing support for the initiative, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), acknowledged the dual nature of AI adoption. Maida emphasized both the potential and risks of AI for public infrastructure and service delivery.
“AI brings opportunities for smarter networks and efficient public services, but also introduces complex ethical and regulatory issues,” Maida said.
The telecom regulator was represented by Mr. Babagana Digima, Deputy Director of New Media and Information Security, He commended the sandbox model for providing a controlled, supervised environment where AI solutions can be tested responsibly and in alignment with national policy objectives.
