Experts warn Nigerians: ‘Your data is not safe with AI’

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes Nigeria’s digital economy, cybersecurity and data protection experts are raising fresh concerns that citizens’ personal data may be more exposed than ever.

At a recent symposium on digital rights in Lagos, specialists warned that Nigeria’s legal and technical systems are struggling to keep pace with the fast-evolving risks posed by AI technologies.

At the centre of the concern is the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which experts say is already outdated in the face of generative AI systems that collect, process, and repurpose data in complex and often opaque ways.

Dr. Femi Adeyemo, a professor of cybersecurity law, noted that while the Act focuses on user consent, it does not adequately address how AI models reuse data beyond their original purpose, sometimes in ways that can harm individuals.

“Legally, we are playing catch-up,” he said, warning that once data is absorbed into AI systems, users often lose control over how it is used or reshaped.

Deepfakes, scams, and weak systems heighten risks

Beyond regulatory gaps, experts say the threat landscape itself is changing and becoming more dangerous.

According to cybersecurity consultant Chidiebere Ihediwa, fraudsters are now using AI-powered tools like deepfake audio and intelligent chatbots to carry out scams, including impersonation and advanced phishing attacks.

These tools, he explained, can bypass traditional security systems, especially in Nigeria’s booming fintech space, where millions rely on mobile apps to manage their money.

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“Verification systems that rely on biometrics can now be tricked using AI-generated identities,” he said, adding that “the average Nigerian’s data is not safe.”

Technology consultant David Afolayan also issued a direct warning to users, urging Nigerians to avoid sharing sensitive information on AI platforms.

“When you input banking details, addresses, or even personal conversations into AI tools, you are surrendering that data to systems you do not control,” he cautioned.

Foreign platforms and low awareness deepen vulnerability

Another major concern raised at the symposium is Nigeria’s heavy reliance on foreign-owned tech infrastructure.

Dr. Adaobi Nkeiruka, a digital policy analyst, warned that when Nigerian data is processed on servers outside the country, it creates serious sovereignty risks.

“We are outsourcing the safety of our most sensitive information,” she said, noting that regulatory bodies often lack the capacity to fully audit these complex AI systems.

Experts also pointed to low digital literacy as a critical issue, with many Nigerians unknowingly exposing personal or business data while trying to leverage AI tools for productivity.

The consensus from the discussions is clear: while Nigeria has made progress in data protection awareness, the country urgently needs stronger enforcement, local AI oversight capacity, and better public education.

Without these measures, experts warn, Nigeria’s digital future could be built on a fragile foundation, where innovation grows, but security struggles to keep up.