Nigeria has no specific legal provisions to define deepfakes, ban their fraudulent creation, or require the labeling of AI-generated content [1, 2].
This regulatory void creates a significant security risk for citizens. Without clear laws, individuals who are deceived by synthetic media lack a direct civil cause of action to seek redress or hold creators accountable.
Legal analyst Mide Alabi said the current legal landscape fails to address the nuances of artificial intelligence. "There is no provision in Nigerian law that specifically defines deepfakes, prohibits their creation for fraudulent purposes, or creates a standalone offence for using AI‑generated synthetic media to deceive," Alabi said [1].
The absence of a legal definition for deepfakes means that prosecutors must rely on broader, existing fraud or cybercrime laws. These general statutes may not fully capture the technical nature of synthetic media, a gap that could hinder the successful prosecution of AI-driven crimes.
Global leaders have previously signaled the urgency of this issue. In February 2024 [2], Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala, director‑general of the World Trade Organization, said there is a need for stronger digital governance to combat these emerging threats [2].
Currently, there is no mandate for platforms or creators to disclose when content is AI-generated. This lack of transparency allows deceptive media to circulate unchecked, increasing the likelihood of misinformation, and targeted fraud across the country [1, 2].
“Nigeria has no specific legal provisions to define deepfakes.”
The lack of AI-specific legislation in Nigeria indicates a lag between technological advancement and legal adaptation. While general fraud laws exist, the absence of a precise definition for synthetic media prevents the state from implementing proactive safeguards, such as mandatory watermarking or specific criminal penalties for deepfake creation, leaving the population exposed to sophisticated digital deception.
