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Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu Highlights Nigeria's AI Leadership, Digital Economy Bill at AI Summit 2026

Lagos — Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (FCNS), has declared that Nigeria is leading Africa in artificial intelligence (AI) development and digital governance, citing the country's policy advancements, legislative reforms, and growing investment in emerging technologies.

Speaking at the AI Summit 2026, organized by T & A Legals in Victoria Island, Lagos, Senator Salisu reflected on his four-decade journey in computer science and the rapid evolution of technology, describing artificial intelligence as the most transformative development he has witnessed in his career.

The senator recounted that he was admitted to study Computer Science in 1982 with little understanding of the discipline, choosing it over medicine because he wanted to pursue a different path. He graduated in 1986 and has since built a distinguished career spanning banking, public service, and technology development, working in Nigeria, France, and the United States.

"I have seen the evolution from structured programming to object-oriented programming and agile development," he said. "But none of these technological shifts is as profound as artificial intelligence."

Salisu highlighted his contributions to Nigeria's technology ecosystem, including the development of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which transformed tertiary institution admissions, and his involvement in pioneering digital projects such as the Lagos State Geographic Information System.

He noted that artificial intelligence has significantly reshaped academic institutions, pointing to the expansion of computer science faculties across Nigerian universities. According to him, institutions such as the University of Lagos have broadened their academic offerings to include specialised programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering, reflecting the increasing demand for digital skills.

The senator maintained that Nigeria currently occupies a leading position in AI development on the African continent.

"I have visited about 30 African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Egypt and South Africa. None comes close to Nigeria in what we have accomplished in artificial intelligence," he stated.

He credited this progress to the country's AI Collective, which brought together Nigerian AI experts from across the world to develop what he described as Africa's most comprehensive National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. He disclosed that the strategy has been presented at a side event during the United Nations General Assembly.

Salisu also highlighted Nigeria's progress in data protection and cybersecurity regulation. He noted that the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), established in 2023, has quickly become a reference point for other African countries seeking to strengthen their own data governance frameworks.

According to him, Nigeria has also taken steps to modernise its cybercrime legislation. The Cybercrimes Act, first enacted in 2015, was amended in 2024, while further amendments are being considered to align the law with the recently adopted United Nations Convention on Cybercrime.

On digital governance, the senator announced that the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill is nearing completion in the National Assembly. He explained that the proposed legislation has successfully passed first, second, and third readings and is expected to receive presidential assent in the coming weeks.

Once signed into law, the legislation will become the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Act, 2026, providing what he described as Nigeria's most comprehensive legal framework for digital transformation.

"The objective of the bill is to strengthen legal certainty and promote a secure, inclusive and innovative digital economy," Salisu said, adding that the legislation will support digital innovation, improve governance, and provide a stronger regulatory framework for emerging technologies.

The AI Summit 2026 brought together policymakers, technology professionals, legal practitioners, academics, and business leaders to discuss the opportunities and regulatory challenges presented by artificial intelligence in Nigeria and across Africa. Senator Salisu's keynote address underscored the country's ambition to position itself as a continental leader in AI innovation, cybersecurity, and digital governance.

Political Appointees Reportedly Resign from Adeleke Administration Amid Defection Speculation

There are indications of growing political developments within the Osun State Government following reports that several political appointees serving under Governor Ademola Adeleke have tendered their resignations.

The reported resignations have fueled speculation of possible political realignments ahead of future electoral activities, although the Osun State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the development.

Those reportedly affected include Hon. Moyoade Lukman, former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Market Affairs; Hon. Oladimeji Maruf Olaniran, Special Assistant (SA) on Political Matters; Hon. Sadiat Baruwa, SSA to the Governor; Hon. Agbaje Bashiru Oladiti, SA to the Governor; Azeez Kazeem Olatunde, former SA to the Governor; and Afolabi Samson Oloke, SSA to the Governor on Internal Security.

Sources familiar with the situation claimed that more resignations may follow, though this could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.

As of press time, neither Governor Adeleke's office nor the affected appointees had publicly disclosed the reasons for the reported resignations.

Ekene Agala Survives Mob Attack as Allegation Against Him Comes Under Scrutiny

A developing case involving Ekene Agala has sparked concerns about the dangers of mob justice and premature judgment following new revelations surrounding an alleged theft accusation.

Ekene was initially accused by a woman of stealing ₦2 million. The allegation quickly gained attention after claims emerged that CCTV footage existed to prove he had taken the money. Based on the accusation, estate security personnel and others reportedly descended on Ekene, subjecting him to a brutal mob attack that nearly claimed his life.

However, the narrative has since taken a dramatic turn. The woman who made the allegation is now said to have withdrawn her claim that CCTV footage exists. Instead, she reportedly stated that a young child was the person who allegedly witnessed Ekene taking the money.

The latest development has raised serious questions about the credibility of the accusation and the circumstances that led to the violent attack on Ekene.

Sources close to the matter say emerging facts are increasingly pointing to Ekene's innocence, although investigations are expected to continue to establish the full truth.

Advocates seeking justice for Ekene have announced plans to begin formal steps aimed at ensuring accountability for the attack against him. They also expressed gratitude that he survived the ordeal.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of relying on unverified claims, viral videos, rumours, and public sentiment when assessing allegations. It highlights the importance of due process and allowing investigations to determine the facts before conclusions are reached.

Further updates on the case are expected as more information becomes available.