Nigeria, with its growing youth population and rapid technological advancement, stands at a crossroads in the global digital economy. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), coupled with increasing internet access, is transforming every facet of life from economic opportunity and public service delivery to social interaction and political discourse. Crucially, AI is reshaping the very structure of the job market, driving automation, demanding new skills, and defining the future of work for young Nigerians.

However, this rapid digital acceleration introduces complex challenges to human rights. Issues surrounding data privacy, algorithmic bias, online safety, and censorship become paramount. Nigeria’s youth, who are the primary drivers and consumers of this digital transformation, are disproportionately affected by the regulatory lag and the ethical dilemmas posed by these digital technologies. The lack of comprehensive, human-centric policies surrounding AI governance, data ownership, and online expression creates a significant risk of undermining human rights. Addressing these gaps requires a multi-stakeholder approach that places the voices and experiences of the youth at the centre of such conversations.

The 2025 Nigerian Youth Internet Governance Forum (NYIGF) serves as a vital platform to shape and influence the policy agenda, in ensuring that digital governance frameworks reflect human rights and youth priorities. It seeks to mobilise young leaders, policymakers, academia, tech innovators, and civil society experts to co-create a future where Nigeria’s digital evolution is grounded in rights, equity and transparency.