CSOs, Netherlands Embassy Ask FG To Strengthen AI Policies

Civil society organisations (CSOs) and The Netherlands Embassy have called on the federal government to strengthen its policy framework on artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance digital security and justice across the country.

The call was made during a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by Paradigm Initiative, a digital rights advocacy group, in partnership with the Netherlands Embassy yesterday in Abuja.

Themed: “Prosecution in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” the workshop aimed to equip prosecutors and judicial officers with the necessary skills to address AI-related crimes while safeguarding digital rights.

Speaking at the event, Robert Sonnemans, Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, stressed the urgent need for proactive policy development around AI.

“Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. Governments should take it seriously and shape it to their advantage while mitigating risks,” he said.

Sonnemans noted that while AI poses challenges, capacity-building efforts like the workshop are critical to ensuring readiness in addressing emerging digital threats.

Representing the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Barr. Ali Baba Rijau highlighted the evolving role of prosecutors in the digital age.

“The future of justice is being written in digital code, and it is our responsibility to ensure it remains anchored in the rule of law,” he stated.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdulazeez Salisu, acknowledged that Nigeria’s justice system has yet to fully harness the potential of AI, particularly in tracking and mitigating security threats.

He called on the government to adopt AI-powered tools to enhance public safety and prosecutorial efficiency.

Senior Manager at Paradigm Initiative, Adesuyi Ajibade, noted that the workshop is part of a broader programme sponsored by the Netherlands Embassy, aimed at increasing awareness of digital rights and AI among key stakeholders in the justice sector.

“Our goal is to keep stakeholders informed about developments in the digital space, enabling them to apply knowledge effectively in their work,” he said.