Nigeria Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

New whitepaper aims to streamline virtual asset oversight in Nigeria

A Pan-African industry body, the Virtual Asset Service Providers Association, has introduced Project Green-White-Green, a policy framework designed to bring virtual asset transactions more fully into Nigeria’s formal financial system.

The proposal targets regulatory inefficiencies while seeking to capture an estimated $92.1 billion in annual transaction activity currently operating with limited formal integration.

VASPA Executive Chair Franklin Peters, who also leads Boundlesspay, said the framework addresses overlapping mandates among the Securities and Exchange Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, and Corporate Affairs Commission. The model proposes more coordinated supervision, alignment of foreign exchange standards, and identity verification through integration with the National Identity Management Commission.

The whitepaper also introduces an API-based system intended to automate VAT and capital gains tax collection at the point of transaction. The aim is to reduce administrative friction, improve compliance, and create clearer regulatory pathways for Web3 businesses operating in Nigeria.

Although designed for Nigeria, the framework is presented as scalable across other African markets. Its proponents argue that better regulatory coordination and more structured taxation could support wider economic goals, including stronger formalisation and improved public revenue collection.

Why does it matter?

The framework directly tackles regulatory fragmentation that has slowed crypto and Web3 development in Nigeria.

By aligning the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria, it aims to reduce legal uncertainty and create a clearer path for startups to operate formally.

It also introduces structured taxation and compliance mechanisms, which could improve state revenue collection while bringing virtual asset activity into the formal economy.

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Nigeria’s TETFund supports AI research and digital development in universities

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has outlined efforts to support AI research and digital development in higher education institutions. The initiative focuses on strengthening research capacity and innovation.

According to the authority, funding is being directed towards projects that promote technological advancement, including AI-related studies and infrastructure. This aims to enhance academic output and relevance.

The authority also highlights the importance of building skills and supporting researchers to engage with emerging technologies. The approach is intended to improve competitiveness and knowledge creation.

Why does it matter?

The authority presents the initiative as part of broader efforts to advance research and innovation in the education sector in Nigeria.

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Nigeria Customs Service begins AI training

The Nigeria Customs Service has begun a capacity development programme focused on AI-driven processes, according to an official social media post. The initiative aims to strengthen operational efficiency in key areas.

The Nigeria Customs Service stated that the training covers revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation processes. AI tools are being introduced to improve accuracy and streamline financial operations.

The programme is part of broader efforts to enhance technical skills within the service and align operations with evolving digital practices. It reflects a focus on improving internal systems and data management.

The Nigeria Customs Service positions the initiative as a step towards modernising customs processes and strengthening institutional capacity in Nigeria.

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Coal reserves could help Nigeria enter $650 billion AI economy

Nigeria has been advised to develop its coal reserves to benefit from the rapidly expanding global AI economy. A policy organisation said the country could capture part of the projected $650 billion AI investment by strengthening its energy supply capacity.

AI infrastructure requires vast and reliable electricity to power data centres and advanced computing systems. Technology companies worldwide are increasing energy investments as competition intensifies and demand for computing power continues to grow rapidly.

Nigeria holds nearly five billion metric tonnes of coal, offering a significant opportunity to support global energy needs. Experts warned that failure to develop these resources could result in major economic losses and missed industrial growth.

The organisation also proposed creating a national corporation to convert coal into high-value energy and industrial products. Analysts stressed that urgent government action is needed to secure Nigeria’s position in the emerging AI-driven economy.

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AI-generated video falsely claims US military to ‘take over’ Nigerian army

A video circulating online, purported to show a US military officer announcing that the United States would take control of the Nigerian Army, is false.

Independent analysis has revealed that the clip was likely generated or heavily manipulated using AI, and no official announcement or credible source supports this claim.

Fact-checkers used AI-detection tools and found high levels of manipulation, and investigations uncovered inconsistencies in uniform insignia and microphones linked to non-existent media outlets. No verified reports indicate that US military forces are intervening in Nigerian defence operations.

The false claim has spread on platforms including X (formerly Twitter), generating alarm and misinterpretation about foreign military involvement in Nigeria.

Experts warn that deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation are becoming harder to spot without specialised tools and verification.

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Nigeria reaches AI training milestone under Microsoft skills initiative

Microsoft, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, Data Science Nigeria and Lagos Business School, has announced that its AI National Skills Initiative (AINSI) has reached more than 350,000 Nigerians with AI training, building on a wider effort that has delivered digital education to over four million people since 2021.

The programme aims to equip individuals, including everyday tech users, business leaders and public sector officials, with AI competencies to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the digital economy.

Key components include digital literacy workshops, business leadership sessions, an AI hackathon, and targeted developer courses covering analytics, DevOps, machine learning and data science.

Microsoft and its partners are also working with government-driven initiatives such as the Developers in Government and Three Million Technical Talent programmes to build a robust pipeline of technical talent.

Leadership training for public sector executives seeks to foster evidence-driven policymaking and responsible AI adoption.

Looking ahead, the Nigeria initiative aims to train up to one million citizens over three years, helping build a future-ready workforce capable of driving innovation, economic growth and national competitiveness in the AI era.

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Google boosts Nigeria’s AI development

The US tech giant, Google, has announced a $2.1 million Google.org commitment to support Nigeria’s AI-powered future, aiming to strengthen local talent and improve digital safety nationwide.

An initiative that supports Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and its ambition to create one million digital jobs, recognising the economic potential of AI, which could add $15 billion to the country’s economy by 2030.

The investment focuses on developing advanced AI skills among students and developers instead of limiting progress to short-term training schemes.

Google will fund programmes led by expert partners such as FATE Foundation, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, and the African Technology Forum.

Their work will introduce advanced AI curricula into universities and provide developers with structured, practical routes from training to building real-world products.

The commitment also expands digital safety initiatives so communities can participate securely in the digital economy.

Junior Achievement Africa will scale Google’s ‘Be Internet Awesome’ curriculum to help families understand safe online behaviour, while the CyberSafe Foundation will deliver cybersecurity training and technical assistance to public institutions, strengthening national digital resilience.

Google aims to create more opportunities similar to those of Nigerian learners who used digital skills to secure full-time careers instead of remaining excluded from the digital economy.

By combining advanced AI training with improved digital safety, the company intends to support inclusive growth and build long-term capacity across Nigeria.

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Lawmakers told to harness AI for democracy

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hajia Memounatou Ibrahima, has urged lawmakers to embrace AI to strengthen legislative work and democratic governance across West Africa.

Speaking at the Parliament’s 2025 Second Extraordinary Session in Port Harcourt, she said AI could improve communication with citizens, support regulatory frameworks, and drive inclusive growth.

Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jibrin Barau, highlighted AI’s potential to enhance efficiency, accountability and oversight while cautioning lawmakers to examine associated risks.

Nigerian ambassador Ahmed Dunoma, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that AI is already shaping education and security sectors. He called for proactive guidance to ensure its deployment deepens integration and safeguards democracy.

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Nigeria sets sights on top 50 AI-ready nations

Nigeria has pledged to become one of the top 50 AI-ready nations, according to presidential adviser Hadiza Usman. Speaking in Abuja at a colloquium on AI policy, she said the country needs strong leadership, investment, and partnerships to meet its goals.

She stressed that policies must address Nigeria’s unique challenges and not simply replicate foreign models. The government will offer collaboration opportunities with local institutions and international partners.

The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Commission reinforced its support, noting that technology should secure depositors without restricting innovators.

Private sector voices said AI could transform healthcare, agriculture, and public services if policies are designed with inclusion and trust in mind.

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Nigeria drafts framework for AI use in governance and services

According to the IT regulator, Nigeria is preparing a national framework to guide responsible use of AI in governance, healthcare, education and agriculture.

NITDA Director General Kashifu Abdullahi told a policy lecture in Abuja that AI could accelerate economic transformation if properly harnessed. He emphasised that Nigeria’s youthful population should move from being consumers to becoming innovators and creators.

He urged stakeholders to view automation as an opportunity to generate jobs, highlighting that over 60% of Nigerians are under 25. Abdullahi described this demographic as a key asset in positioning the nation for global competitiveness.

Meanwhile, a joint report from the Digital Education Council and the Global Finance & Technology Network found that AI boosts productivity, though adoption remains uneven. It warned of a growing divide between organisations that use AI effectively and those falling behind.

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