Journal of Current Research and Review (JCRR)

LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR REGULATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND SMART CONTRACTS IN NIGERIA

Authors

  • Imoisi Simon Ejokema, PhD Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Edo State University Uzairue.
  • Iyemeake Sunday LL.M Candidate, Faculty of Law, Edo State University Uzairue
  • Itoko Tariere Erica Graduate Assistant, Faculty of Law, Edo State University Uzairue.

Abstract

A contract is simply an agreement between parties, creating mutual obligations that are enforceable by law. The advent of artificial intelligence presents a new phase in the contractual world. Today, smart contracts have become very popular internationally. In terms of traditional contracts, AI and smart contracts operate as a historical compass, giving direction with respect to a wider spectrum of their evolution. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present a framework that facilitates a comprehensive examination of the legal implications arising from the convergence of innovation and tradition through an analysis of the conceptual landscape.

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, AI, Contract, Smart Contracts.

Downloads

Published

2025-02-04

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14800338

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2025): January

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Ejokema, I. S., Iyemeake, S., & Itoko, T. E. (2025). LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR REGULATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND SMART CONTRACTS IN NIGERIA . Journal of Current Research and Review (JCRR), 16(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14800338

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Imoisi Simon Ejokema, PhD, Iyemeake Sunday , Itoko Tariere Erica

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

References

Afolabi, B. (2023, June 13). FG to release practice code for ChatGPT, others. PUNCH. https://punchng.com/fg-to-release-practice-code-for-chatgpt-others/

Aljazeera. (2023, December 3). European Union reaches agreement on landmark legislation to regulate AI. ALJAZEERA. https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/12/9/european-union-reaches-agreement-on-landmark-legislation-to-regulate-ai

Callahan, C. (n.d.). How AI regulation differs in the U.S. and EU. Digiday. https://digiday.com/marketing/how-ai-regulation-differs-in-the-u-s-and-eu/

Davies, C., & Marfé, M. (n.d.). United Kingdom considers IP and regulatory reform for AI age. Pinsent Masons. https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/United%20Kingdom-considers-ip-and-regulatory-reform-for-ai-age

Donn, T. (2023). Smart contracts and international trade: European legal strategies for managing challenges. Journal of Digital Technologies and Law, 1(4).

Gallo, V., & Nair, S. (2024). The United Kingdom’s framework for AI regulation. Deloitte. https://www2.deloitte.com/United%20Kingdom/en/blog/emea-center-for-regulatory-strategy/2024/the-United%20Kingdoms-framework-for-ai-regulation.html

Gilchrist, K., & LIordache, R. (2024, March 13). World’s first major act to regulate AI passed by European lawmakers. CNBC Africa. https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2024/worlds-first-major-act-to-regulate-ai-passed-by-european-lawmakers/

Gyem, F. (2022, August 12). Developing the national artificial intelligence policy in Nigeria. PREMIUM TIMES. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/548380-developing-the-national-artificial-intelligence-policy-in-nigeria-by-fom-gyem.html?tztc=1

Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). (n.d.). How governments are looking to regulate AI. EIU. https://www.eiu.com/n/how-governments-are-looking-to-regulate-ai/

European Union. (2024). EU AI Act. https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AI-Act-Overview_24-01-2024.pdf

Heymann, F., et al. (n.d.). Regulating artificial intelligence in the EU, United States, and China: Implications for energy systems. HAL Archive. https://hal.science/hal-04167091/document

Kasatkina, M. (2021). The interpretation of smart contracts in the EU and the USA. International Comparative Jurisprudence, 7(2).

Kop, M. (2021). EU Artificial Intelligence Act: The European approach to AI. Transatlantic Technology Law Forum, 2(1).

Law Commission. (2021). Smart legal contracts: Advice to government. https://cloudplatforme218f50a4812967ba1215eaecede923f.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/30/2021/11/Smart-legal-contracts-accessible.pdf

National Conference of State Legislators. (2023). Artificial Intelligence 2023 legislation. NCSL. https://www.ncsl.org/technology-and-communication/artificial-intelligence-2023-legislation

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). (n.d.). National AI policy: Call for contributions. https://oecd.ai/en/dashboards/policyinitiatives/http:%2F%2Faipo.oecd.org%2F2021-data-policyInitiatives-27396

Perez, A., & Zeadally, S. (2023). Secure and privacy-preserving crowd sensing using smart contracts: Issues and solutions. Computer Science Review, 43, 100450.

Roberts, H., et al. (2023). A comparative framework for AI regulatory policy. CEIMIA. https://ceimia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/a-comparative-framework-for-ai-regulatory-policy.pdf

The Cable. (2024, April 13). SEC issues new regulations on the issuance and exchange of cryptocurrencies in Nigeria. The Cable. https://www.thecable.ng/sec-issues-new-regulations-on-issuance-exchange-of-cryptocurrencies-in-nigeria/

Vos, G. (2019). The launch of the legal statement on the status of cryptoassets and smart contracts. United Kingdom Judiciary. https://www.judiciary.United%20Kingdom/wpcontent/uploads/2019/11/LegalStatementLaunch.GV_.2-1.pdf

Zhu, C., & Lehot, L. (n.d.). United States: Artificial intelligence comparative guide. Mondaq. https://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/technology/1059776/artificial-intelligence-comparative-guide