CarbonAI CEO, Debola Ibiyode, has called for responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance and locally relevant innovation so that Nigeria can benefit from AI’s economic growth, according to a NairaMetrics report.
This call comes as Nigeria finalises its national AI policy and seeks legislative backing for a National AI Strategy.
Adebola Ibiyode consistently voiced out on the regulatory framework while speaking at the AI summit 2026 in Lagos. She warned that Nigeria could miss out on AI’s economic growth if it fails to regulate it.
The CarbonAI CEO also supports what she describes as “AI diplomacy”. She said that this approach will promote public trust through responsible regulation and ethical AI deployment.
While addressing the summit’s theme: “The AI Conversation; Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence(AI) in Nigeria: Balancing Regulation and Innovation”, Ibiyode claimed that the regulation should be treated as an essential foundation for sustainable AI-driven growth rather than seeing it as an obstruction.
Notably, Other industry leaders continue to call for stronger governance to help Nigeria unlock AI’s economic potential.
Recently, Bosun Tijani unveiled plans for a “National AI Trust”, designed to strengthen governance. It will also cover public trust, collaboration between government, academia, and industry. He has consistently framed AI around governance rather than hype. He also announced that Nigeria had completed its National AI Strategy, which awaits legislative backing according to a June 2026 report.
Similarly, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) CEO Kashifu Inuwa Abdullah while speaking at the InnovateAI Conference in February, said Nigeria must build a “responsible, inclusive, and sovereign AI ecosystem” instead of remaining a consumer of foreign AI systems. He stressed that AI should reflect Nigeria’s values and priorities.
Notably, Nigeria is moving closer to finalising a national AI policy. Per the report, it now awaits legislative backing for a National AI Strategy.
The proposed framework aims to establish oversight for AI development. It will also strengthen digital infrastructure, and create clear rules for the responsible use of the technology.
Additionally, industry leaders agree that responsible AI governance will determine whether the country can fully realise AI’s economic benefits.
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