Prominent stakeholders, including the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and other experts, have called for the establishment of a robust legal framework to guide the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and strengthen digital governance in Nigeria.
The call was made during discussions on the growing influence of AI and emerging technologies on governance, public administration, education, business, and national development.
Participants emphasized that while artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and improved public service delivery, its rapid adoption also raises concerns about privacy, accountability, cybersecurity, misinformation, and ethical responsibility.
Speaking on the need for proactive regulation, stakeholders stressed that Nigeria must develop laws and policies capable of balancing technological advancement with the protection of citizens’ rights and democratic values. They noted that clear guidelines would help ensure that AI systems are deployed responsibly and transparently across various sectors.
Experts further highlighted the importance of digital governance frameworks that can address challenges associated with data protection, algorithmic bias, and the misuse of emerging technologies. According to them, effective regulation is essential to building public trust in AI-driven solutions.
The discussions also underscored the need for collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, academia, legal practitioners, and technology experts in shaping policies that reflect Nigeria’s unique social and economic realities.
For the education sector, stakeholders noted that the increasing integration of AI into teaching, learning, and research makes it imperative for policymakers to establish ethical standards that promote innovation while safeguarding academic integrity and student privacy.
They further advocated increased investment in digital literacy and AI education to equip young Nigerians with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The call comes at a time when countries across the globe are developing regulatory frameworks to address the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, positioning ethical governance as a critical component of the digital age.
Source: Adapted from a report by THISDAY.