In a significant stride toward shaping Nigeria’s artificial intelligence future, the Lagos State Government has announced plans to release the country’s first AI deployment and management guidelines. The move aims to encourage the responsible development of artificial intelligence, while also establishing Lagos as a center of excellence in AI innovation. This development was unveiled by the Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, during the official launch of Dyna.Ai’s operations in Nigeria.

Lagos Sets the Pace with Nigeria’s First AI Guidelines

According to Alake, the upcoming guidelines will serve as a framework to guide the ethical and responsible deployment of AI technology across Lagos State. He clarified that the document will not be a policy or regulatory law, but rather a set of foundational principles designed to shape the behavior of AI developers and stakeholders. “They are just guidelines to make sure that you and I are building the kinds of products that, in the future, we will be proud to let our children use and not try to protect them from,” Alake said.

The Lagos AI guidelines are poised to be the first of their kind in Nigeria and are expected to provide direction for innovation while safeguarding the interests of citizens. Alake emphasized that the aim is not to stifle progress but to create a safe, productive environment for emerging technologies.

Addressing the Risks of AI: A Shared Responsibility

Commissioner Alake also drew attention to the potential risks associated with unregulated AI. He described AI as “reputationally radioactive” if misused or left unchecked. His remarks called for a sense of collective responsibility among all stakeholders—developers, private sector leaders, and the government alike.

“There must be custodianship,” Alake stated, underscoring the need for both caution and collaboration. He added that the most sustainable returns from artificial intelligence will come from innovation that aligns with the broader public interest, not just commercial success. Lagos State, he affirmed, is committed to building a responsible AI ecosystem that benefits all segments of society.

Federal Government Reiterates National Commitment to Digital Trust

The Federal Government also expressed its dedication to ensuring responsible innovation in the digital space. Tokoni Peter Igoin, the Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, delivered the keynote address at the event. He spoke about the national vision for a trustworthy and secure digital economy.

“Our approach to AI and financial technology is rooted in a positive framework,” Igoin said. “It encourages creativity while ensuring transparency, data protection, and digital security.” He affirmed that the current administration remains firmly committed to building a digital ecosystem where innovation thrives within a structure that safeguards user rights and national interests.

Igoin’s comments reflect the federal government’s increasing recognition of the transformative power of technology and the need to harmonize innovation with consumer protections and national development goals.

Nigeria Emerges as Launchpad for Dyna.Ai’s African Expansion

The event also marked the official entry of Dyna.Ai, an AI-powered automation company, into the Nigerian market. Tomas Skoumal, Chairman and Co-President of Dyna.Ai, outlined the company’s strategic decision to begin its African operations in Nigeria, citing the country’s size, energy, and potential for digital growth.

“For us, it makes sense to start in Nigeria. There is no bigger country in Africa—this is where the momentum is,” Skoumal said. He added that Africa is no longer just “the future” but is undergoing a powerful digital transformation at present, with Nigeria at the forefront.

Skoumal introduced Dyna.Ai’s advanced Agentic AI tools, including its proprietary Agent Studio and sector-specific language models. These tools are designed to enhance automation across key business functions such as customer service, marketing, collections, and human resources. The company believes that such automation will not only drive operational efficiency but also expand access to financial services and digital tools.

Long-Term Vision: Building Talent and Infrastructure in Nigeria

Dyna.Ai’s entry into Nigeria is not merely about product sales. Skoumal emphasized that the company plans to make substantial long-term investments in the local ecosystem. This includes building infrastructure, nurturing local talent, creating employment opportunities, and positioning Nigeria as a launchpad for scaling AI innovations across Africa.

“We are not just here to sell a product,” Skoumal stressed. “We are here to invest in people and infrastructure. We want to help build the bridge between technology and inclusive growth.”

The company’s approach reflects a growing global trend: major tech players are moving beyond transactional business models to focus on sustainable, community-based growth. By tapping into Nigeria’s youthful, tech-savvy population, Dyna.Ai aims to co-create solutions that respond to local challenges while setting a precedent for future expansion.

Lagos and Nigeria Charting a Bold Path in AI Governance

With Lagos State leading the charge on AI governance and the federal government reinforcing national commitment to responsible innovation, Nigeria is positioning itself as a forward-thinking digital hub in Africa. The anticipated release of the Lagos AI guidelines could serve as a model for other states and even national policymakers.

The partnership between government and the private sector, as demonstrated by Dyna.Ai’s launch and the speeches at the event, highlights a growing synergy in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Policymakers are not only welcoming innovation but actively shaping its trajectory to align with public interest.

As AI continues to revolutionize industries, Nigeria’s deliberate approach—focused on ethical frameworks, digital security, and inclusive development—could be key to ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence reach all layers of society.

Conclusion

The launch of Dyna.Ai in Nigeria and the upcoming release of the Lagos State AI guidelines mark a pivotal moment in the country’s technological journey. Lagos is setting a national benchmark for AI governance, while the federal government reinforces its commitment to digital integrity. With startups like Dyna.Ai investing in local infrastructure and talent, Nigeria stands poised to become a beacon of responsible AI innovation across Africa.

The coming months will be crucial as these guidelines roll out and stakeholders begin to interpret and implement them. But if the current momentum is sustained, Nigeria could soon emerge as not just a consumer of global technology—but a leading creator of it.