Source: World IP Review

World IP Review features Izuchukwu Chinedo’s analysis of Nigeria’s legal stance on AI and intellectual property. Nigeria currently lacks AI-specific legislation but is developing regulatory frameworks such as the National Artificial Intelligence Policy (NAIP) and National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS).

Nigerian IP law requires a natural person to be named as inventor or author, excluding AI systems from patent or copyright ownership. However, AI-assisted inventions with human involvement remain protectable. Ownership of AI-generated works is often assigned contractually, with examples like OpenAI’s terms granting users rights over AI outputs. Nigerian laws regulating data protection, cybercrime, and IP intersect with AI governance. The article highlights the need for clear legislation to address AI’s unique challenges and foster innovation responsibly.