Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a passing twenty-first century trend; it has emerged as a defining force that is fundamentally reshaping global economies, transforming industries, and reimagining how organizations operate. Far beyond automating routine tasks, AI is enabling new forms of value creation: powering advanced analytics, enhancing customer experiences, streamlining operations, and unlocking innovative business models. Companies that view AI as a core strategic driver, rather than a peripheral add-on, are positioning themselves to lead in this rapidly evolving landscape.
However, becoming an AI-first organization requires far more than adopting new technologies. It calls for a fundamental rethinking of organizational structures, decision-making processes, and workplace culture to ensure that AI is woven into the very fabric of business strategy. When implemented with clarity, purpose, and accountability, AI can deliver exponential productivity gains, accelerate innovation cycles, and support long-term, sustainable growth. Yet, this transformation must rest on solid foundations of ethical governance, transparency, and responsible use, ensuring that AI functions as a trusted partner to human ingenuity rather than a disruptive force.
The Core Foundations of an AI-First Organization
To move beyond hype and create lasting impact, organizations must build around five interdependent pillars: data, strategy, talent, culture, and governance.
1. Data
High-quality, accessible, and ethically managed data is the raw material for AI. Businesses need robust governance frameworks to ensure data integrity, security, and responsible use, while minimizing risks such as bias and privacy breaches. Well-structured data systems make it possible for AI models to generate reliable insights that can shape better decisions.
2. Strategy
AI must align with the overall vision of the business. This means identifying areas where AI can deliver the greatest impact, integrating these initiatives into long-term goals, and scaling solutions in manageable stages. Without this alignment, AI risks being reduced to isolated pilot projects with limited effect.
3. Talent
An AI-first workforce blends technical expertise with domain knowledge. This involves upskilling employees, hiring specialists, and creating cross-functional teams capable of turning strategy into execution. Middle managers in particular play a vital role in bridging leadership’s vision with operational realities.
4. Culture
A thriving AI-first culture promotes experimentation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Employees are encouraged to see AI not as a replacement, but as a tool that amplifies human potential. Such a culture fosters innovation and adaptability across the organization.
5. Governance Responsible AI deployment requires clear oversight. Establishing ethics boards, monitoring models for bias, and ensuring compliance with regulations build trust both internally and externally. Strong governance reduces risk while safeguarding long-term credibility.
Together, these pillars provide the structure needed to manage complexity and maximize the value AI brings.
Principles for Effective AI Implementation
For organizations to integrate AI successfully, they must follow guiding principles that balance innovation with responsibility:
AI should empower, not replace. Thoughtful integration ensures AI supports human judgment and enhances decision-making, rather than undermining it.
Start small, grow steadily. Pilot AI in specific areas—such as automating routine workflows or improving analytics—before scaling enterprise-wide. Incremental wins build confidence and capability.
Redefine productivity. AI enables outcome-driven work by automating repetitive tasks, reducing errors, and allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities. Success should be measured by results, not hours at a desk.
Use AI to strengthen connections. Beyond efficiency, AI can foster collaboration—whether through real-time communication, shared analytics, or feedback systems that connect teams across functions and geographies.
These principles ensure AI is applied with purpose, building systems that improve performance while preserving human oversight.
Overcoming Barriers: The African Perspective
In emerging markets, particularly in Africa, the shift to AI-first organizations carries unique urgency. While digital economies are expanding, barriers such as limited infrastructure, high internet costs, and fragmented regional integration hinder progress. For example, intra-African data exchange is often more difficult than exchanges with international partners, restricting innovation and trade.
To fully capture AI’s potential, African nations and businesses must collaborate to strengthen regional infrastructure, expand internet access, develop local data centers, and invest in digital skills. With the right policies and investments, AI could transform sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and finance—unlocking vast economic value while narrowing the global digital divide.
Conclusion
Becoming an AI-first organization is less about technology and more about leadership, mindset, and discipline. With strong foundations, principled implementation, and proactive strategies, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of the AI-driven future.
The journey begins with small, focused steps. Align AI with outcomes, foster collaboration, and ensure governance keeps pace with innovation. For organizations ready to act, AI can serve as a catalyst for unified growth and long-term resilience.
Written by Adeola Osifeko LLB, BL, LLM, ACIS, ABR. She can be reached on 07074453571
Introduction: A Nation at the Cusp of Digital Transformation.
Nigeria is stepping boldly into a new era where emerging technologies—most notably blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotic process automation (RPA)—are poised to redefine governance, transparency, and national development.
On May 31, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigerian announced its intention to deploy AI and blockchain technologies across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This announcement, combined with a robust national blockchain policy initiative, marks a coordinated push to ensure technology becomes a central pillar of public administration and inclusive economic growth.
Why Blockchain and AI Matter for Governance..
AI and blockchain are transitionary technology pathways—they are practical tools that can revolutionize how governments operate. AI can automate repetitive administrative tasks, identify inefficiencies, and enhance decision-making with real-time data. Blockchain, on the other hand, offers a decentralized and tamper-proof method for recording transactions and maintaining transparent records.
For example, imagine a public procurement process where every step—from bidding to payment—is recorded on a blockchain. This would make it nearly impossible to manipulate data or hide irregularities, thereby curbing corruption and improving trust in public systems.
Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), emphasized that this technology will augment existing digital platforms like the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS)—all of which have already saved Nigeria billions in leakages.
From Vision to Policy: The Roadmap for Blockchain in Nigeria.
The Federal Government of Nigeria on 16 May 2025 officially released the whitepaper titled: “Co-Creating a Roadmap for Blockchain in Nigeria,” outlining critical steps for Nigeria to fully harness the potential of blockchain. Building on NITDA’s 2023 National Blockchain Strategy, the roadmap proposes a comprehensive and inclusive policy framework that emphasizes transparency, financial inclusion, and digital identity.
In practical terms:
Financial Inclusion: Blockchain can reduce transaction costs by up to 80%, making it easier for underserved populations—especially in rural areas—to access banking and financial services.
Agriculture and Supply Chains: Blockchain can track agricultural goods from farms to markets, reducing fraud and spoilage. For instance, a blockchain-enabled supply chain can ensure that fertilizers delivered to farmers are not diverted, which has been a recurring challenge in Nigeria.
Digital Identity: Over 70 million Nigerians still lack formal identification. Blockchain-based digital IDs can provide secure, verifiable identities, opening doors to education, banking, healthcare, and more.
Engaging the Best Minds: A Research-Driven Approach.
Nigeria is not leaving its blockchain future to chance. Using data from platforms like http://Lens.org. and insights from global blockchain journals, the federal government identified 21 top Nigerian researchers active in the blockchain field. These experts are now being engaged to help guide policy formulation and innovation.
The roadmap even includes a crowd-sourcing initiative, inviting public input to ensure that the list of researchers and contributors is as representative and comprehensive as possible. This open and collaborative approach sets Nigeria apart, creating a policy grounded in both global best practices and local realities.
Skills for a Smart Future: Building Digital Capacity.
Recognizing that no technology can succeed without skilled people behind it, the Federal Government plans to train over 500,000 public servants in emerging technologies, including AI and blockchain. These capacity-building efforts are critical for maintaining and scaling digital systems across all MDAs.
Moreover, NITDA plans to set up research centers across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, focusing on AI, IoT, and blockchain. This decentralized innovation strategy ensures that every region of Nigeria contributes to—and benefits from—tech-driven growth.
A Nigerian Blockchain for Nigeria’s Future: Introducing Nigerium.
In a bold move toward data sovereignty, NITDA is also developing an indigenous blockchain platform called “Nigerium.” This platform will allow Nigerian developers and government bodies to build solutions on a secure, homegrown infrastructure. Unlike foreign-controlled blockchains, Nigerium is designed with Nigeria’s regulatory, cultural, and infrastructural context in mind.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead.
Nigeria is doing more than adopting new technologies—it is reimagining governance, citizenship, and national development through innovation. The fusion of AI, blockchain, and RPA will not only make government more transparent and efficient, but will also unlock economic opportunities for millions.
But success requires more than policy documents and infrastructure. It demands collective action—from government leaders, civil servants, researchers, entrepreneurs, and citizens.
Call to Action. Are you a blockchain researcher, developer, or enthusiast? Contribute your ideas and expertise to Nigeria’s digital transformation. Join the national conversation by submitting feedback and suggestions to policy@fmcide.gov.ng. Let’s co-create a future where technology empowers everyone.
Written by Adeola Osifeko LLB,LLM,ACIS,ABR. Partner at AEO Law Practice. You can reach her on adeola@aeolawpractice.com
Copyright law has long been the cornerstone of protection for literary creators and publishers alike. In Nigeria, the Copyright Act 2022 provides the legal framework for safeguarding the rights of authors, publishers, and rightholders. With the onset of the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, the traditional book publishing industry now faces profound transformation and accompanying legal complexities. This article seeks to demystify copyright in book publishing by exploring the nature, scope, and enforcement of copyright in Nigeria, while examining emerging global challenges shaped by digital technology and AI.
1. The Legal Nature of Copyright in Book Publishing
Copyright is the exclusive legal right granted to authors/creators over their original works of authorship. In book publishing, this includes rights over literary works such as novels, poetry, textbooks, biographies, and other forms of written expression. Section 2(1) of the Nigerian Copyright Act 2022 recognises literary works as eligible subject matter of copyright, provided they are original and fixed in a tangible medium of expression.
Once a literary work is created and fixed, the author automatically acquires exclusive rights under section 9 of the Act, which includes the right to reproduce, publish, adapt, perform, and communicate the work to the public (through wire or wireless means). These rights are essential to enabling authors and publishers control the commercial use of the literary work/content.
Copyright also provides for moral rights, consisting of the right of paternity i.e right to claim authorship over the work and the right of integrity, entailing the right to object to any distortion, mutilation or other modification of, or other derogatory action which will negatively affect the reputation of the author in relation to the said work.
2. Ownership, Authorship, and Publisher Rights.
Under section 48 of the Copyright Act 2022, the author of a literary work is the first owner of copyright, which implies that the author retains the initial ownership of copyright in their works, unless a specific agreement states otherwise especially in an instance where the work is created under a contract of employment.
In the publishing context, this distinction is significant. Publishers often secure rights through a license or assignment agreement with the author, which allows the publisher produce and distribute the book while retaining specific commercial benefits. This is crucial in publishing: unless the publishing contract assigns or licenses rights to a publisher, the author remains the copyright owner.
Where a book is written under employment or at the direction of a government agency, the copyright may vest in the employer instead of the author. Similarly, for collective works like anthologies or collaborative publications, the initiator may hold the collective copyright, but each contributor retains the rights to their specific portion and can use it independently.
For any copyright assignment — such as transferring publishing rights to a publisher — the law requires this to be done in writing. On the other hand, non-exclusive licences can be granted orally or implied from the author’s actions.
Importantly, authors should know that ownership of manuscript does not automatically vest copyright ownership in the author except where the manuscript is self published. Likewise, if someone inherits a manuscript through a will, they are not presumed to inherit the copyright as well — unless there is a copyright agreement providing that copyright vests in the author.
3. Case Law on Copyright and Publishing.
One notable Nigerian case that highlights the importance of written agreements in copyright ownership is the Court of Appeal’s decision of Adenuga v. Ilesanmi Press Ltd [1991], where the court addressed the legal issue of whether the appellant, author of the manuscript in issue had consented to the publication of his book by the respondent publisher and printer, based on the respondent’s assertion that the appellant’s conduct—submitting the manuscript, visiting the publisher’s premises, and signing proof pages—amounted to consent. The Court of Appeal however held these acts were insufficient to imply consent to publication, as they could equally support a mere request for printing. Additionally, the respondent’s policy distinguished between printing and publishing, with publication requiring a written agreement, which was absent in this case.
The Court of Appeal found the letter demanding royalty, which the trial judge admitted in evidence, led to a wrong decision at the court of first instance. The respondent’s claim of authority to publish the book was based on an alleged exclusive license. However, under the Copyright Act 1970, such a license must be in writing. No such document was produced, and the respondent’s reliance on implied conduct was rejected. The Court of Appeal ruled that the trial court erred in finding a non-exclusive license where the defence had only pleaded an exclusive one. It set aside the lower court’s decision, found the respondent wanting for copyright infringement, and directed that the cost ordered by the trial court to be paid to the respondent publisher be refunded.
4. Licensing and Royalties in Book Publishing.
Copyright ownership does not necessarily require the author to personally publish or commercialise their book. Through licensing, an author can grant permission to a publisher to exploit some or all rights in the work for a fee or royalty. Section 30 allows copyright owners grant exclusive or non-exclusive licenses to third parties, with specific rules, including that exclusive licenses must be in writing, while non-exclusive licenses can be oral or inferred. For example a non-exclusive license can be inferred where the author grants a book seller the permission to review the literary work at a monthly bookclub organised by the book seller.
On the other hand royalty provisions are central to the financial viability of publishing agreements. However, ambiguity in royalty arrangements often leads to disputes. Contracts should clearly specify the scope of rights granted, the duration of use, territories covered, royalty rates, and audit rights. With the rise of digital publishing, new forms of licensing such as e-book and audiobook distribution have emerged, necessitating updated contractual frameworks.
In the Nigerian publishing landscape, especially in contexts involving educational access or out-of-print books, compulsory licensing remains a pivotal regulatory mechanism. Section 32 of the Copyright Act 2022 introduces a significant provision for access to education and research. It authorizes the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to grant compulsory licences for the reproduction, translation, or distribution of a work without the consent of the rights holder in certain public interest scenarios.
For example, where a literary work such as a textbook is not available in sufficient quantities or at an affordable price, especially for educational institutions, the NCC may issue a licence to reproduce or distribute such work under specific conditions. This provision ensures a balance between the exclusive rights of copyright holders and the societal need for access to knowledge.
A critical application of this framework is seen in the digitisation of academic materials for platforms serving visually impaired persons or public libraries, where the original publisher may not have issued accessible formats. While the author or publisher still receives royalties under such a licence, their control over reproduction and distribution is effectively limited in favour of public access.
This compulsory license framework becomes even more significant in the age of AI and digital publishing, where data-hungry models may rely on vast textual corpora for training. Although the Act does not directly address AI training datasets, publishers should be aware that a regulatory evolution could one day allow similar licenses for digital uses that are deemed essential to public interest—such as AI-generated educational content or accessibility tools.
This provision aligns Nigeria’s copyright law with global efforts promoting access to knowledge, especially in education and research. Section 32 thus represents an important exception to the rights conferred under copyright, offering an administrative check to ensure that the monopolies granted by law do not hinder educational development, cultural participation, or technological innovation.
5. The Digital Transformation of Book Publishing.
The digitalisation of content has dramatically altered how books are published and consumed. Platforms like Amazon Kindle, VitalSource Bookshelf, and Selar in Nigeria have enabled self-publishing, expanded readership, and lowered entry barriers for authors. However, while technology empowers authors and publishers to reach global audiences, it also introduces serious challenges—chief among them is online piracy and unauthorized sharing of content.
To address this, the Nigerian Copyright Act 2022 provides robust statutory safeguards tailored for the digital age. Sections 54 to 56 of the Act establish a clear notice-and-takedown regime for service providers: EdTech, blogs, websites, digital and ePublishers, enabling copyright holders to act swiftly when their works are uploaded or shared online without authorisation.
5.1 Takedown Requests: What Authors and Publishers Can Do.
Under section 54(1), the owner of a copyright—such as a publisher ( in the case where the work has been assigned to the publisher) or author—may issue a formal notice of infringement to the digital platform or service provider where the content is being uploaded, such as a file-hosting service, e-library, or social media network. The purpose is to request the takedown or disabling of access to infringing material.
To be valid, the notice must be in writing (physical or digital) and include detailed information identifying the copyrighted work, the infringing content, and a sworn declaration affirming the belief that the use is unauthorised. This puts authors and rightholders in a proactive position to protect their digital assets.
5.2 Obligations of Service Providers.
Upon receiving such a notice, the service provider who in this case is a website, online or digital platform, must act promptly: notify the subscriber who posted the content, take down the infringing material, and inform the copyright owner once it has been removed.
In a balanced approach, the Act allows the accused subscriber to respond with a counter-notice if they believe the takedown was mistaken or misdirected. If the copyright owner does not respond within seven days, the service provider may reinstate the content.
Additionally, the Act imposes a duty on service providers to prevent re-uploading of infringing content through technical safeguards and to remove it again without further notice if it resurfaces.
5.3 Repeat Infringers and Account Suspension.
In cases of repeated infringement, section 56 of the Act introduces a three-strike rule. The digital or online platform must issue a warning after the first notice and suspend the subscriber’s account for at least one month after a second notification—unless the subscriber challenges the notice and refers the matter to the Nigerian Copyright Commission.
This procedure creates a structured digital enforcement mechanism while preserving the rights of both copyright owners and platform owners.
5.4 Legal Protection for Service Providers Acting in Good Faith.
To encourage compliance and cooperation, the Act shields digital, ed tech platforms from liability when they act in good faith to take down or disable access to infringing content. However, failure to act as required may result in the provider being held jointly liable with the infringing party for copyright violation.
5.5 Why This Matters in the Publishing Industry.
For authors, digital publishers, and edtech platforms, these provisions offer critical tools to safeguard their work. As more Nigerian authors distribute books via websites, learning platforms, and global marketplaces like Amazon Kindle or Genti Media, understanding the legal framework for content protection is essential.
This regime ensures that creators can protect their revenue streams, enforce their rights, and hold platforms accountable — a necessary foundation for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s evolving publishing ecosystem.
6. Artificial Intelligence and Copyright Challenges.
The rise of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought significant disruptions to traditional copyright paradigms. AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Midjourney now create content that closely mimics human creativity—ranging from prose and poetry to musical sheets and more. However, their output poses a fundamental question: who owns copyright in a work largely or wholly produced by a non-human entity?
Under the Nigerian Copyright Act 2022, authorship is implicitly human-centric, and it does not recognize non-human creators. Consequently, AI-generated works—particularly those created without meaningful human intervention— has not been captured to qualify for copyright protection in Nigeria. This lack of legal clarity places an obligation on authors to disclose whether or not their work was either assisted by AI or generated by AI in order for publishers to determine the duration of the work whilst providing feedback for developers to ascertain the extent to which the AI models created, renders the desired outcome of the invention.
Globally, jurisdictions have begun confronting similar challenges. In the UK, Section 9(3) of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 provides that for computer-generated works, the author is “the person by whom the arrangements necessary for the creation of the work are undertaken.” Recent scholarship, of Nikhil Mishra, and Digvijay Singh in the article, ‘AI-Generated Work and its Implications on Copyright Law in India’, emphasizes that while this human-centric approach is logical, it must evolve to ensure that only users who provide sufficiently original input—like complex prompts or editorial refinement—can claim authorship.
Meanwhile, in the United States, courts and the U.S. Copyright Office have repeatedly affirmed that only works with a human author are eligible for protection. This was reaffirmed in the Thaler v. Perlmutter decision, which denied copyright to a work solely created by an AI system. Similarly, in India, while Section 2(d)(vi) Copyright Act provides for authorship in computer-generated works, legal scholars argue that a mere user prompt is likely insufficient to satisfy the “minimum level of creativity” test for originality.
These developments illustrate a global hesitancy to accept AI as an autonomous creative agent. While some frameworks—like the UK’s—tentatively acknowledge AI-generated works, they still tether authorship to a human agent who exercises creative control.
In Nigeria, the current legal position reflects this cautious global trend. As such, authors and publishers using AI in their creative workflows must ensure that human contributions remain central and verifiable. This includes clearly defined roles in publishing contracts and documented human input in the creation process. This will however, require that the Nigerian Copyright Act 2022, clarifies the duration of works derived from human intervention on works generated from AI notwithstanding that the Act maintains a humancentric approach.
The road ahead likely involves legislative reform and possibly the additional recognition of new rights structures—such as neighboring or sui generis rights—for AI-assisted/generated works. For now, however, the principle remains clear: only humans can author copyright-protected works under Nigerian law, and AI must remain a tool, not a co-author.
7. International Frameworks and the Nigerian Context.
Nigeria is a signatory to several international treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), including the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works and the WIPO Copyright Treaty. These instruments obligate Nigeria to provide minimum standards of protection and facilitate international cooperation.
The UNESCO publication “The ABCs of Copyright” and WIPO Publication on digital publishing both stress the need for rights management, metadata standards, and technology tools such as Digital Rights Management (DRM) to combat piracy and enhance copyright governance in publishing.
8. Recommendations for Authors and Publishers.
In an increasingly digital and AI-driven publishing environment, authors and publishers must be proactive in protecting their rights. This includes registering their works with the Nigerian Copyright Commission, drafting detailed publishing license and/or assignment agreements with clarity on royalties, and using technological tools for content protection. Legal literacy and ongoing education, such as through copyright masterclasses and creative industry workshops, are equally critical.
Conclusion.
Copyright remains a vital asset in the book publishing industry, ensuring that creators and publishers can derive value from their intellectual efforts. While the Nigerian Copyright Act 2022 offers a comprehensive framework for protection, the evolution of digital technologies and AI presents new challenges that demand innovative responses. By embracing best practices in copyright management and engaging with legal developments, authors and publishers in Nigeria can thrive in the modern publishing landscape.
4. Nikhil Mishra, and Digvijay Singh, ‘AI-Generated Work and its Implications on Copyright Law in India’, Journal of Intellectual Property Rights Vol 30 January 2025
5. United States District Court for the District of Columbia [2023]: Thaler v. Perlmutter, No. 22-CV-384-1564-BAH
6. WIPO, ‘Publishing Industry in the Digital Environment’ (WIPO Publication No 868, 2021)
The legal industry in Nigeria is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration (For Business, Legal Service and Representation) Order 2023 (LPRO 2023). This regulatory framework, established under the Legal Practitioners Act (Cap LII, LFN 2004), seeks to standardise fees for legal practitioners across various areas of legal practice. While its objectives include ensuring fair compensation for lawyers and preventing fee undercutting, the broader economic and business implications of this regulation are profound. Against the backdrop of Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs), this Order raises questions about its potential to strengthen or strain the legal profession in Nigeria.
Economic and Business Implications of LPRO 2023 on the Legal Profession
LPRO 2023 introduces minimum fees for various legal services, including consultations, incorporation of companies, litigation, property transactions, and other commercial dealings.1 By establishing prescribed fees, the regulation aims to curb price undercutting, which has historically affected law firms, particularly small and mid-sized firms. This structured pricing model ensures that practitioners receive adequate remuneration commensurate with their experience and the complexity of legal services rendered. However, the regulation also introduces rigid constraints on pricing flexibility, potentially impacting market competitiveness.
For established law firms, particularly those operating in corporate commercial law and litigation, the LPRO 2023 provides a more predictable revenue stream2. Firms that cater to high-net-worth clients or corporate entities may find this beneficial as it aligns with international best practices. However, for younger lawyers, solo practitioners, and small firms that rely on competitive pricing to attract clients, the LPRO 2023 presents a challenge. Many clients, especially startups, SMEs, and individuals seeking legal representation for minor matters, may opt for ALSPs, online legal platforms, or non-traditional legal service providers offering more affordable solutions.
The rigidity in the Order also poses concerns in dispute resolution practices. Given the increasing global shift towards flexible billing arrangements such as contingency fees, fixed retainers, and subscription-based legal services, the LPRO 2023 appears to constrain such innovations.3 While it does allow for percentage-based fee arrangements, it does not permit any arrangement below the prescribed hourly rate, thus limiting lawyers’ ability to tailor their services to market demands.
The Rise of Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) and the LPRO 2023
The global legal market has witnessed a surge in Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs), which offer legal solutions outside the traditional law firm model.4 These entities, ranging from legal tech companies, document review services, online dispute resolution (ODR) platforms, contract automation providers, and freelance legal consultants, leverage technology and process efficiencies to deliver cost-effective legal services.
In Nigeria, ALSPs are emerging as formidable competitors to traditional law firms, particularly in areas like legal research, contract drafting, compliance, and regulatory advisory services.5 With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven legal research tools, automated document generation platforms, and online corporate registration services, ALSPs are addressing clients’ needs faster and at lower costs.
The LPRO 2023 inadvertently favours the rise of ALSPs by making traditional law firms less attractive to cost-conscious clients. A small business seeking corporate registration, for instance, may find online incorporation services preferable to engaging a law firm that charges statutory minimum fees as stipulated in the Order.6 Similarly, businesses needing contract review and compliance services may opt for subscription-based ALSPs rather than law firms constrained by hourly rate requirements.
Furthermore, ALSPs often operate in a less regulated environment compared to traditional law firms. While law firms must adhere strictly to professional ethics rules and LPRO 2023’s fee structure, ALSPs may offer customised, on-demand pricing models.7 This regulatory gap could create an uneven playing field, where ALSPs thrive while traditional law firms struggle with compliance costs.
The Role of the NBA and Regulatory Bodies in Shaping ALSPs within the Legal System
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Committee (LPRC) play crucial roles in shaping the legal market, particularly regarding ALSP operations. LPRO 2023, by its design, primarily regulates traditional legal practitioners but does not comprehensively address how ALSPs fit into the legal ecosystem.8
The NBA has an obligation to define the regulatory boundaries for ALSPs, ensuring that while innovation is encouraged, it does not undermine the traditional legal profession. Possible regulatory responses include:
Bridging the Regulatory Gap: The NBA could introduce specific regulations to cover ALSPs, ensuring they operate within a defined legal framework. This could include licensing requirements, ethical codes, and restrictions on certain reserved legal activities.9
Collaboration Between Law Firms and ALSPs: The NBA could encourage synergy between ALSPs and law firms, rather than fostering direct competition. By permitting law firms to integrate ALSP models (such as automated legal research tools and contract lifecycle management solutions), practitioners could enhance efficiency while remaining within the LPRO 2023 framework.10
Reforming Fee Structures for Greater Flexibility: The rigid minimum fees imposed by the Order may require periodic review. The NBA could consider allowing alternative fee structures, such as tiered pricing models for SMEs, startups, and social enterprises, to ensure legal services remain accessible while sustaining law firm profitability.11
Addressing Ethical Concerns and Consumer Protection: Given the rise of unregulated online legal services, the NBA must establish consumer protection policies to prevent unauthorized practice of law (UPL) and data privacy breaches in tech-driven legal services.12
Promoting Technology-Driven Legal Services within the Traditional Bar: The NBA can train and support law firms in adopting legal tech solutions rather than allowing ALSPs to dominate the market. By incorporating document automation, e-discovery tools, and AI-based research, traditional law firms can compete effectively without violating the LPRO 2023 pricing model.13
Conclusion
The Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023 presents both opportunities and challenges for Nigeria’s legal industry. While its intent is to promote fair remuneration and standardise fees, its economic impact could inadvertently drive clients towards ALSPs and alternative legal solutions. Traditional law firms, particularly smaller firms and solo practitioners, may struggle to retain clients in a market where cost efficiency and flexible pricing are increasingly prioritised.
The NBA and regulatory bodies must therefore strike a balance between protecting traditional legal practice and embracing the innovations brought by ALSPs. Through strategic regulatory reforms, collaboration with ALSPs, and modernising fee structures, Nigeria’s legal profession can evolve without losing its competitive edge. The future of legal practice in Nigeria will depend on how well regulators and practitioners navigate this complex intersection between standardisation, innovation, and market competitiveness.
Author: Adeola Osifeko LLB, LLM, BL,ACIS,ABR
Endnotes
Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023, s 1.
ibid.
2023 LPRO, s 8.
Nkemakonam Umeadi-Onyedika, ‘The Rise of Alternative Legal Service Providers: Threat or Opportunity’. BusinessDay Newspaper, 13 March 2025 Page 21.
In an era where digital innovation drives economic growth, cybersecurity has become a crucial concern for startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms to enhance productivity, engage customers, and expand market reach, they are also exposed to cyber threats which could undermine their operations. Given the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals, startups and SMEs must proactively secure their digital assets to prevent financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities.
The Growing Cyber Threat to Startups and SMEs.
Cyberattacks are not exclusive to large corporations; SMEs and startups are often primary targets due to their relatively weaker security frameworks. Common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), and data breaches. Unlike multinational corporations with dedicated cybersecurity teams, many startups and SMEs lack the financial and technical resources to combat these threats effectively.
The consequences of cyber threats can be devastating. A data breach could expose sensitive customer information, leading to regulatory penalties and loss of trust. Ransomware attacks could cripple business operations, causing financial distress. Additionally, intellectual property theft could compromise a startup’s competitive advantage when cybercriminals perpetrate cybersquatting activities. These risks highlight the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures tailored to the needs of Nigerian SMEs and startups.
Extant Cybersecurity Legislations and Their Respective Roles.
The Cybercrimes (Amended) Act, introduces new measures to strengthen cybersecurity and ensure businesses operate safely in the digital space. Key provisions include:
Cybersecurity Levy: A 0.5% levy on electronic transactions to fund national cybersecurity initiatives.
Mandatory Reporting of Cyber Threats: Businesses must report cyberattacks within 72 hours to mitigate cyber compromises.
NIN Requirement for Electronic Transactions: Customers must provide their National Identification Number (NIN) for verification in electronic financial transactions.
Sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs): Industry-specific CERTs will assist businesses in responding to cyber threats effectively.
Data Protection Compliance: Businesses must retain and secure customer data in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
2. Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023
The NDPA was enacted to regulate data protection and privacy in Nigeria. It requires businesses to:
Obtain customer consent before collecting personal data.
Implement security measures to prevent data breaches.
Register with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) if they process large volumes of personal data.
Comply with stringent data processing requirements to avoid hefty penalties.
3. Digital Rights and Freedom Act, 2019
This Act protects the digital rights of individuals and businesses in Nigeria. It ensures:
Freedom of expression and privacy online.
Protection against unauthorized surveillance and data breaches.
A legal framework for businesses to challenge cyber-related violations.
4. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Cybersecurity Guidelines for Financial Institutions
Since many startups and SMEs rely on digital payments, compliance with CBN’s cybersecurity guidelines is essential. These guidelines mandate:
The implementation of multi-factor authentication for online transactions.
Regular cybersecurity risk assessments for financial service providers.
Fraud monitoring and incident reporting mechanisms.
Implications for Startups and SMEs
While these laws impose compliance obligations, they also present opportunities for startups and SMEs to enhance their cybersecurity strategies. Businesses can leverage these frameworks to:
Build Consumer Trust: Compliance with cybersecurity and data protection laws reassures customers that their information are safe.
Avoid Legal Liabilities: Adhering to regulations protects businesses from fines and reputational damage.
Enhance Cybersecurity Readiness: Engaging with CERTs and implementing best practices reduces cyber risks.
Call to Action for the Federal Government
To further support startups and SMEs, the Federal Government should:
Provide Financial Incentives by implementing policies geared towards tax reliefs and grants to help SMEs use funds that would have been remitted for compliance purposes towards implementing cybersecurity measures.
Strengthen Public Awareness by providing avenues through training and workshops to educate businesses on compliance.
Foster Public-Private Partnerships through collaborations between government agencies and private cybersecurity firms to provide SMEs with affordable security solutions.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for Nigerian startups and SMEs. With increasing cyber threats and regulatory requirements, businesses must adopt proactive security measures to safeguard their operations whilst leveraging extant legislations which essentially maintain compliance and protect sensitive information.
However, the government must also play its part by formulating and implementing policies that support cybersecurity resilience among SMEs to create a safer digital landscape for entrepreneurs to thrive. Only through collective effort can startups and SMEs navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and drive sustainable business growth in the digital economy.
The Legal Trove 