By Omoruyi ‘Uyilaw’ Edoigiawerie, Esq
As we progress into 2025, one thing is clear: data is no longer just the new oil; it’s the currency of progress in our increasingly digital world. From powering artificial intelligence (AI) systems to enabling predictive analytics, data has become the backbone of technological advancement.
For Nigeria, a country rapidly establishing itself as a leader in Africa’s tech ecosystem, 2025 must be the year we fully embrace data’s potential to drive sustainable development and address critical challenges, including algorithm bias.
But this isn’t just about following global trends. For Nigeria, the “Year of Data” represents an opportunity to lead conversations, set standards, and address our unique challenges with home-grown solutions. From the ethical use of data to its proper mining and application, this is the year to lay a foundation for lasting impact.
*Why 2025 is the year of data
Across the globe, the narrative around data has evolved. Collecting massive amounts of information is no longer enough. The focus has shifted to understanding, curating, and leveraging data effectively. In Nigeria, where technology is transforming industries from finance to agriculture, data has become indispensable.
Artificial intelligence, one of the most transformative technologies of our time, depends entirely on data. AI systems learn, adapt, and make decisions based on their fed data. But here’s the catch: bad data leads to bad AI. When systems are trained on biased, incomplete, or irrelevant datasets, the outcomes can be harmful and exacerbate inequalities. This is particularly critical in Africa, where the lack of localized data has led to algorithms that fail to understand or reflect our realities.
For instance, think about a healthcare AI tool designed to diagnose diseases. If it’s trained on data from Western countries, it’s unlikely to recognize conditions prevalent in Nigeria or consider genetic and environmental factors specific to Africans. Similarly, AI-powered hiring systems that misinterpret African names or accents as errors can perpetuate discrimination.
Therefore, 2025 must be the year we change this narrative. It’s the year we take ownership of our data, use it to power innovation, and ensure that technological advancements work for us, not against us.
*Ethical use of data: Non-negotiable
Nigeria has taken the right steps in data protection with the enactment of the Data Protection Act and the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). These are significant milestones, but they are only the beginning. Ethical data practices must become the norm, not the exception.
*What does this mean in practical terms?
1. Transparency: Companies and organizations must be upfront about how they collect, store, and use data. Nigerians have a right to know how their personal information is being handled.
2. Accountability: Violations of data privacy laws should have serious consequences. It’s not enough to have policies on paper; enforcement is key.
3. Respect for Rights: Individuals should have control over their data. This includes the right to access, correct, or delete personal information.
In a digital age, data is power. Ethical data practices ensure that this power is not abused and that individuals are protected.
*From data hoarding to data mining
Nigeria’s tech ecosystem has grown adept at collecting data, but the real value lies in mining it for actionable insights. Data mining involves analysing vast amounts of information to uncover patterns, trends, and correlations. Done right, it can revolutionize key sectors of our economy:
a) Healthcare: Imagine a system that predicts disease outbreaks based on data from hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. This would allow for timely interventions, saving lives and resources.
b) Agriculture: By analysing data on weather patterns, soil conditions, and crop yields, we can boost food production and reduce wastage.
c) Finance: Fintech companies can use data to develop products tailored to the needs of underserved communities, driving financial inclusion.
But here’s the catch: data mining isn’t just about innovation; it’s about solving real problems. This is where Nigeria has a unique opportunity to lead. By focusing on solutions rather than mere insights, we can create a tech ecosystem that is both innovative and impactful.
*Fixing algorithm bias: A critical priority for Africa
One of the biggest challenges in AI is algorithm bias. This occurs when AI systems produce unfair outcomes because they are trained on biased or incomplete data. For Africa, the consequences can be severe.
Consider an AI system designed to allocate resources for education. If the data used to train the system doesn’t include information from rural areas, those communities are likely to be overlooked. Or think about an AI-powered credit scoring system that penalizes individuals without formal employment, ignoring the fact that a significant portion of Nigerians work in the informal sector.
To address this, Nigeria must prioritize:
a) Localized Data Creation: Building datasets that reflect our unique realities is non-negotiable. This includes capturing information from diverse demographics, regions, and sectors.
b) Collaboration: Government, academia, and the private sector must work together to develop ethical AI frameworks. This isn’t just about avoiding harm; it’s about ensuring that AI drives positive change.
c) Diversity in Development: The teams building AI systems must be as diverse as the populations they serve. This ensures that different perspectives are considered, reducing the risk of bias.
The goal is simple but ambitious: to create AI systems that understand and respect Africa’s diversity.
*The role of start-ups and policymakers
Start-ups are the lifeblood of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. They are agile, innovative, and often at the forefront of technological advancements. In 2025, start-ups must lead the charge in ethical data usage and tackling algorithm bias.
However, this requires an enabling environment. Policymakers have a critical role to play in:
a) Investing in Infrastructure: From broadband access to data centres, Nigeria needs the infrastructure to support a data-driven economy.
b) Incentivizing Innovation: Tax breaks, grants, and other incentives can encourage companies to invest in data-driven solutions.
c) Promoting Digital Literacy: Data is only valuable if people know how to use it. Training programs and initiatives can equip Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in a digital economy.
When start-ups and policymakers work together, the possibilities are endless.
*2025 – Our call to action
2025 is more than just a new year, it’s an opportunity to redefine Nigeria’s role in the global tech ecosystem. To make the most of it, we must:
1. Advocate for ethical data practices that prioritize transparency, accountability, and respect for individual rights.
2. Invest in the creation and curation of localized datasets that reflect Nigeria’s diversity and realities.
3. Tackle algorithm bias head-on by building systems that are inclusive and equitable.
4. Foster collaboration between stakeholders to drive innovation and create lasting impact.
Data is not just numbers on a screen; it’s the foundation of decision-making, innovation, and progress. If we get it right, 2025 will not just be the Year of Data but the year Nigeria solidified its place as a leader in Africa’s data revolution.
As we embark on this journey, it’s important to remember that data is only as powerful as the people who use it. This is our moment to ensure that data serves as a tool for empowerment, not exploitation.
The future is data-driven. The future is Nigerian. Let’s make it count.
*Omoruyi Edoigiawerie is the Founder and Lead Partner at Edoigiawerie & Company LP, a full-service law firm offering bespoke legal services focusing on start-ups, established businesses, and upscale private clients in Nigeria. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. His firm can be reached by email at [email protected]
