Figures cited by The Punch reveal that Nigeria has spent over $470 million on Artificial Intelligence (AI) surveillance systems, making it the largest buyer of such technology in Africa. The systems, largely sourced from Chinese tech giants, are being integrated into urban centers to track criminal activities and monitor security flashpoints in real-time.
The government maintains that this “digital shield” is essential for modern policing, though it has sparked a national conversation about digital privacy. Critics argue that without a finalized data protection law, the deployment of AI could lead to potential misuse of citizen data.
The Nation reported on the “increasing reliance on Chinese-supplied security tech,” while The Guardian noted that “civil society groups are demanding a regulatory framework” for AI usage.
Echotitbits take: High-tech cameras are great, but only if there are enough boots on the ground to respond when the AI flags a crime. Expect this to be a major debate point in the 2027 election cycle.
Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/technology/article/nigeria-tops-africas-2-1bn-ai-surveillance-spending-with-470m-investment/, March 25, 2026
Photo credit: BusinessDay
