RismadarVoice Reporters
October 23, 2026
The United Kingdom and Nigeria have strengthened cooperation on artificial intelligence governance, digital standards and technological development as both countries seek to promote responsible innovation and accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The partnership was highlighted during a recent visit by the British Standards Institution (BSI), which organised an Executive Workshop on Artificial Intelligence Governance and Standards in collaboration with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR).
The programme, supported by the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme, brought together senior government officials, regulators and technology professionals to examine international standards for responsible AI deployment.
Participants received training on governance frameworks, accountability, risk assessment and institutional oversight, with particular attention to ISO/IEC 42001, which establishes requirements for AI management systems, and ISO/IEC 23894, which guides managing AI-related risks.
The engagement concluded with a high-level reception at the Afreximbank Trade Centre in Abuja, attended by policymakers, industry representatives and development partners.
Speaking at the event, Grace Bell, First Secretary for Economic Partnerships and Digital at the British High Commission, emphasised the importance of internationally recognised standards in supporting innovation, economic growth and public confidence.
Bell said effective governance frameworks and strong institutions were essential to ensuring that artificial intelligence technologies are deployed safely and responsibly.
She reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital development through collaboration with BSI, the National Information Technology Development Agency, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
According to her, the partnership also covers digital trade, cybersecurity, data protection and digital public infrastructure, with opportunities for further cooperation in electronic waste management and digital healthcare.
Representing the Nigerian Government, NCAIR National Director, Dr Olubunmi Ajala, welcomed the partnership, describing it as an important contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s institutional capacity.
Ajala urged participating agencies to establish a permanent cross-government Community of Practice to sustain knowledge-sharing and cooperation on AI governance.
Officials who completed the training were recognised during the closing ceremony.
The British High Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigerian institutions to strengthen digital trust, improve regulatory capacity and promote international standards across the country’s expanding technology sector.
