As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries globally, experts at the American Centre for Artificial Intelligence (ACAi) annual summit have called for stronger government involvement to ensure ethical AI usage in Nigeria.
The summit, which featured key discussions on responsible AI frameworks and policies, attracted prominent figures from technology, academia, and public institutions.
Delivering the keynote address, Director of ACAi, Olusola Amusan described AI as a critical driver of economic growth and development.
“AI is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity that can revolutionize job creation and productivity,” Amusan said.
He emphasized the importance of public sensitization on responsible AI practices, including safety, privacy, and explain ability, while urging collaboration between public and private sectors to align AI technologies with societal values.
Amusan underscored the economic opportunities in the tech space, advocating for government support for startups and innovators.
“As Nigeria works towards becoming an AI innovation hub, balancing regulation and innovation is key,” Amusan noted.
Professor Boniface Kayode, a cybersecurity expert from the Federal University of Technology Akure, highlighted both the potential and risks of generative AI.
He noted its ability to perform diverse tasks, such as medical diagnoses, but warned about its misuse in creating sophisticated cyberattacks.
“AI is a double-edged sword,” Kayode said, calling for stringent regulations to mitigate its risks.
He urged the government to develop ethical and legal frameworks, likening responsible AI to a goat selectively eating only the beneficial parts of a tree branch.
Adding to the dialogue, digital equity advocate Emmanuel Asika stressed the need for inclusivity in AI design, urging developers to create systems that address all genders and sectors of society.
“Transparency, accountability, and safeguarding data privacy must remain top priorities,” he said.
Representing the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Zareefa Mustapha unveiled the agency’s plans to launch a National AI strategy.
“This strategy will ensure AI adoption aligns with ethical principles while fostering innovation across sectors,” she said.
Mustapha commended the summit for fostering stakeholder collaboration.
The event featured discussions on the integration of AI in healthcare, education, and governance, with participants calling for increased investments in AI research and development.
Speakers also raised concerns over algorithmic biases, data exploitation, and public trust in AI systems.
They stressed the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, industry, academia, and civil society to address these challenges.
With the National AI strategy in development, stakeholders expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential to leverage AI for sustainable development.
However, they emphasized that achieving this vision would require a unified commitment to ethical AI practices across all sectors.
The summit concluded with a pledge from attendees to translate discussions into actionable policies, ensuring Nigeria responsibly harnesses the transformative power of AI.
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