Cultivating AI Governance: Strategic Insights from Estonia's Framework for Nigeria's Digital Ecosystem

Abstract

This paper elucidated how Estonia’s robust AI governance frameworks can serve as a
paradigm for Nigeria. A comparative analytical method was employed, juxtaposing
Estonia's mature AI governance structures with Nigeria's burgeoning framework.
The research synthesised insights from academic literature, governmental reports.
The discourse traverses Estonia’s comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for
AI, emphasising its centralised coordination mechanism, the Government CIO
Council, and the pivotal AI Ethics Council. These structures, alongside vigorous
public-private collaboration and investments in digital literacy, form Estonia’s
cohesive AI governance model and identified actionable insights drawn from
Estonia’s approach. The conclusion synthesises the lessons that Nigeria can
assimilate from Estonia, advocating for a centralised AI governance body, ethical AI
frameworks, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and enhanced digital infrastructure.
These recommendations are pivotal for Nigeria to build a robust AI governance
framework that mirrors Estonia's success.