NDPC To Unveils AI Regulatory Sandboxes to Strengthen Data Protection in Nigeria
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has partnered with private sector ICT firms to explore the use of adaptive regulatory sandboxes as a framework for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into data protection systems while promoting cross-border innovation.
This development was disclosed at a one-day workshop held in Abuja titled “Co-Creation Lab on Africa Sandboxes for AI”, which also featured the presentation of the African Sandbox Outlook report.
The workshop provided a platform to evaluate how regulatory sandboxes can serve as controlled testing environments for AI technologies, fostering data-driven innovation across Africa.
Delivering his remarks, the National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji—represented by Ms. Adaobi Nwankwo, Head of the Commission’s Innovation Unit—highlighted the importance of sandboxes in advancing responsible AI.qq
“Sandboxes aim to encourage responsible AI, foster compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), and promote trust, fairness, accountability, and transparency,” Olatunji said. “The goal is to create a competitive environment for AI developers and data scientists while addressing Africa’s unique challenges.”
He stressed that for regulatory sandboxes to be effective, they must operate within real-time legal frameworks that support rigorous testing of AI and data-based solutions.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida—represented by Mr. Babagana Digima, Deputy Director of New Media and Information Security—described regulatory sandboxes as key instruments for collaborative policy development.
“Sandboxes provide a controlled environment for innovators to test AI under regulatory supervision. This encourages collaborative learning, risk mitigation, and evidence-based policymaking,” he noted, adding that the NCC is aligning its sandbox initiatives with the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the Digital Economy Policy, and the NDPA.
Principal Consultant at Kontemporary Konsulting, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, emphasized the need for greater regulatory alignment across African countries to ensure seamless data flows and AI integration. “We need to optimise data protection processes and scale products across West Africa. There’s a need for sandboxes that support cross-border interoperability and AI systems embedded with robust governance structures,” he said.
In her remarks, Ms. Morine Amutorine, Africa Lead for the Datasphere Initiative, reiterated that AI sandboxes are implementable even in countries with developing regulatory systems. She noted that sandboxes help assess the real-world impact of AI and identify regulatory gaps that may need addressing.
The African Sandbox Outlook report, presented at the workshop, underscored the growing recognition of sandboxes as essential tools for testing both regulatory and technical aspects of AI and data governance. It concluded that regulatory sandboxes are pivotal for overcoming Africa’s data governance challenges and unlocking innovation across the continent.
The event attracted stakeholders from regulatory bodies, tech firms, civil society, and academia, all unified in their commitment to shaping a future where innovation and data protection go hand in hand.
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