UK, NITDA, NCAIR, others deepen collaboration on AI governance, digital transformation

*The UK High Commission, in Nigeria, discloses the British Standards Institution works with the National Information Technology Development Agency, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and two other stakeholders, to accelerate capacity building, policy engagement, and awareness raising on application of global standards to emerging  technologies in the West African country

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The British High Commission (BHC), in Nigeria, has reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

The UK Commission’s assurance followed a successful suite of events and engagements during a recent visit by the British Standards Institution (BSI) to the West African country.

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ConsumerConnect reports the BHC said central to the visit was the successful delivery of an Executive Workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Standards in partnership with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) under the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme.

The Mission disclosed the four-day workshop held at the Afreximbank Trade Centre, in Abuja, FCT, attracted senior government leaders, regulators and technology practitioners to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for responsible AI adoption, governance and oversight.

The forum also explored practical approaches to implementing internationally recognised standards for AI governance, risk management, assurance and accountability, while supporting Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading AI economy in Africa.

The British High Commission as well explained the workshop built on several years of collaboration between BSI and Nigerian Government institutions, to promote standards as a catalyst for economic growth and digital transformation.

Working closely with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Data Protection Council (NDPC), National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and other stakeholders, BSI has supported capacity building, policy engagement and awareness raising on the application of international standards to emerging digital technologies.

According to BHC, as Nigeria accelerates its adoption of emerging technologies, standards are increasingly recognised as a critical foundation for innovation.

It stated that standards provide common frameworks that build trust, strengthen cybersecurity, enhance data governance, improve interoperability, and support responsible technology deployment.

The UK Mission said through this partnership, the European country and Nigeria are working to promote international best practice in areas, such as Artificial Intelligence, digital trust, data governance, cybersecurity, smart infrastructure, digital public services, and electronic waste management.

Objectives of Executive Workshop on AI Governance and Standards

The Mission equally noted the Executive Workshop on AI Governance and Standards represents another milestone in this collaboration.

During the three-day intensive training, senior public sector leaders explored how international standards could help organisations to manage AI risks, improve institutional oversight and create enabling environments for innovation.

Participants examined leading standards, including ISO/IEC 42001 for AI Management Systems, ISO/IEC 23894 for AI Risk Management, and other emerging frameworks designed to support safe and trustworthy AI deployment.

The BHI affirmed the programme culminated in a high-level close-out reception, in Abuja, FCT, which convened policymakers, regulators, standards experts, industry representatives and development partners to discuss the future of AI governance and standards-led innovation in Nigeria.

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Ndidiamaka Eze, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer/Communications Lead, Growth, Trade and Investment, Nigeria Network, Thursday, October 22, 2026, stated Ms. Grace Bell, First Secretary for Economic Partnerships and Digital at the British High Commission, spoke at the event, highlighting the strategic importance of standards in unlocking the benefits of emerging technologies in modern economies.

Bell said: “Artificial Intelligence presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, innovation and social development.

“However, realising these benefits requires the right governance frameworks, strong institutions and trusted standards that can underpin safe, secure and responsible adoption.”

The statement noted: “The UK is proud to support Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. “Our collaboration with BSI, NITDA, SON, and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) reflects a shared belief that standards are not simply technical tools; they are strategic enablers of innovation, investment, trade and public trust.”

The First Secretary for Economic Partnerships and Digital at BHC also said by aligning around internationally recognised standards, stakeholders could help to create the conditions for sustainable digital growth and unlock greater opportunities for businesses, governments and citizens.”

Ms. Bell further explained that the UK-Nigeria partnership on standards has evolved into a broad platform for cooperation on issues ranging from trust and assurance involving digital trade, AI governance and digital public infrastructure to cybersecurity, data protection, with potential to expanding further in e-Waste Management and e-Health.

Dr. Ajala, NCAIR National Coordinator, speaks

Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, National Coordinator of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), in his remarks on behalf of the Nigerian Government highlighted the importance of strengthening national capability for AI governance.

Ajala thanked the UK Government and BSI for their continued support.

He also said: “Together, we have moved beyond theoretical conversations about emerging technologies to build genuine, sovereign institutional capacity.

“Let us use this evening to forge a permanent cross-government Community of Practice.”

At the close-out, in Abuja, successful participating officials were recognised, contributing to a growing ecosystem of policymakers, regulators and practitioners equipped to champion responsible AI adoption across Nigeria’s public and private sectors, the BHC stated.

The Mission said beyond the AI Governance and Standards Policy and Practice workshop, the BSI had engagements with adjacent government agencies, including NESREA and the FCDO Climate Finance team to assess e-waste management models in Nigeria and explore opportunities to deepen existing partnership on digital trade standards.

The role of standards in activating policy ambitions

This partnership recognises that standards play a critical role in translating policy ambitions into practical implementation.

Restating its commitment to advancing Nigeria Digital Economy, the British High Commission, in the statement, noted that as Nigeria continues to develop its AI ecosystem, expand digital services, and strengthen data governance frameworks, these efforts could help to ensure that innovation in Nigeria is standards-led, inclusive and sustainable.

The Mission said: “The British High Commission remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s vision for a digitally enabled economy through partnerships that foster innovation, strengthen governance and promote trusted technology.

The BHC added that through collaboration with BSI and strategic Nigerian institutions, the UK would continue to champion standards-led approaches that enable sustainable and inclusive digital transformation in the economy.