Artificial Intelligence and Law: A Nigerian Perspective

This book provides foundational knowledge of AI,its features, manifestations and possible areas where it poses a challenge to the law. In most cases where legal scholars, not just in Africa, but globally, talk about AI, their focus is on how it will affect the legal profession, as opposed to the general society or the system of laws in their countries. This book, written by a Nigerian, focuses on the country's legal system, especially it's adjudication process, laws of tortious negligence, strict liability, and then a general regulatory framework for AI in Nigeria. This author proposes the development of a local AI system merged with ADR mechanisms that would reduce the incidence of court congestion alongside a complete legal framework for how it would operate. He also considers the challenges that AI might pose to the tort of negligence in Nigeria and concludes that for all purposes, the liability for any harm caused by AI should lie with humans, not the tool, as it does not possess, nor is capable of legal personality, the way humans are. An ethical and regulatory framework is also proposed to guide the application, development, and use of AI.