In a move to stay ahead of the digital curve, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially commenced a strategic workshop aimed at developing a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Regulatory Framework.
The initiative seeks to create a robust roadmap for integrating emerging technologies into the nation’s electoral administration.
The workshop, which was opened on Monday, March 16, 2026, in Lagos, serves as a high-level gathering for Directors, ICT Heads from various state offices, technical experts, and international development partners.
A New Frontier in Electoral Integrity
Representing the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Lagos State, Prof. Aboyomi Salami, the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Oluyemi Adeyemi-Showunmi, emphasized that the Commission must evolve alongside global governance trends.
She noted that innovative tools are no longer optional but essential for maintaining efficiency, transparency, and credibility in modern elections.
Reflecting on the Commission’s digital journey, she highlighted the success of previous milestones, including biometric voter registration, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
“This workshop provides a platform for stakeholders to contribute to the development of a comprehensive AI Framework that will define governance structures, ethical standards, and operational integration within the Commission’s ICT architecture,” she stated.
Institutionalizing AI Operations
The Commission’s commitment to this tech-forward approach is backed by formal policy. It was revealed that as of May 22, 2025, INEC approved the creation of a specialized Artificial Intelligence Division within its ICT Department. This division is tasked with harnessing AI for predictive planning, logistics coordination, and large-scale data analysis.
However, the REC warned that while the benefits are vast, the risks particularly regarding data protection, ethical governance, and information integrity require a clear and robust institutional guardrail to ensure responsible deployment.
From Discussion to Regulation
Echoing these sentiments, the Director of ICT described the workshop as a significant milestone. He pointed out that while AI can revolutionize disinformation detection and voter information services, the Commission must prioritize regulatory oversight to mitigate legal and operational risks.
“The objective of this workshop is not merely to discuss Artificial Intelligence, but to develop a structured, responsible, and forward-looking regulatory framework to guide its application in electoral processes,” the Director noted.
Over the coming days, participants are expected to move from theory to practice, reviewing the Commission’s AI roadmap and collaboratively producing a draft regulatory framework that will govern the future of Nigerian elections.
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