Nigeria is being urged to go beyond regulating artificial intelligence and actively invest in homegrown AI development to safeguard its economic and cultural future. Experts warn that relying solely on foreign-developed AI systems could leave the country vulnerable to cybercrime, misinformation, and uncontrolled technological influence. The call came during a recent policy dialogue on AI and cybercrime in Abuja, where scholars emphasized that regulation alone cannot address the fast-evolving risks posed by artificial intelligence.
Professor Andrew McStay, a Technology and Society expert from Bangor University, United Kingdom, highlighted that AI-powered scams are becoming increasingly automated and persuasive worldwide. He argued that the real challenge for Nigeria lies in ensuring its young, tech-savvy population channels their innovation into productive and lawful ventures rather than cybercrime. “You have a booming youth population that is smart, educated, and capable. The question is whether that talent goes into scams or into building technology that benefits society,” McStay said.
The expert stressed that homegrown AI solutions would reduce dependence on foreign systems and ensure that the technology reflects Nigeria’s unique cultural, economic, and social realities. Without local development, he warned, Nigeria risks losing control over how AI shapes its economy and communication landscape. “If AI is going to work for us rather than against us, it must be developed locally, responsibly, and inclusively,” McStay added.
Professor Vian Bakir, a specialist in Journalism and Political Communication, highlighted the growing threat of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation. She noted that research in Europe and the U.S. shows most people struggle to distinguish real content from AI-generated material, a trend that could undermine public trust and democratic discourse. Bakir emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns to improve AI literacy without causing widespread panic or distrust in verified information.
A PhD researcher at Bangor University, Chiemezie Ugochukwu, added that AI tools have lowered the barrier to cybercrime for Nigeria’s youth, automating processes that once required advanced technical skills. Ugochukwu called for stronger collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector, alongside education campaigns in native languages, to ensure citizens understand how AI can be weaponized. Experts collectively warned that failing to invest in homegrown AI could hinder Nigeria’s growth and leave its young innovators exposed to risky or harmful paths.
source: The Sun