By Omoruyi Edoigiawerie Esq
Section 18 (2) of the Nigerian constitution requires the government to promote science and technology and I believe that this section has set the stage for a meaningful investment in technological growth and development.
In today’s world of technology and innovation, Artificial intelligence (AI) stands at the intersection between technology and development, it has become one of the top priorities of policy agendas for many countries and Nigeria – the largest black nation on earth and Africa’s largest economy, with a GDP of $477bn cannot afford to be left behind.
AI has emerged as a transformative force, revolutionising industries, economies, and societies worldwide. From enhancing manufacturing and service delivery to optimising e-commerce, education, and healthcare practices, AI holds immense potential to drive innovation, efficiency, and socioeconomic development.
However, as we embark on the AI revolution, it has become increasingly imperative to establish robust policies and frameworks to govern its ethical, legal, and societal implications.
In Nigeria, the need for a comprehensive AI policy is more pressing than ever, as the country seeks to harness the opportunities presented by AI while mitigating potential risks and challenges. As Nigeria holds the maiden National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Workshop starting today, we must pay intentionally to create a comprehensive national Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy, one that leverages a human-centred approach and contextualises the needs of our people and communities.
Why do we need a policy in place, I will attempt an explanation in the other aspects of this article.
AI-based technologies are becoming increasingly integrated into the modern life of many Nigerians and there is a need to consider how such technologies impact the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
From the initial design; to the sale of the technology to Nigerians (where applicable); and then its ultimate end use, there are several ways that the use of AI may advance or undermine privacy rights protections in Nigeria.
Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa and a rapidly growing economy, stands at a pivotal juncture in its technological evolution. With a promising tech ecosystem and a vibrant community of innovators, Nigeria is actively leveraging AI technologies to address pressing societal issues, spur economic growth, and enhance global competitiveness. However, to fully realize the benefits of AI and ensure inclusive development, the government must formulate and implement a coherent AI policy framework.
One of the primary motivations for crafting an AI policy in Nigeria is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. By providing clear guidelines and regulatory certainty, an AI policy can incentivize investment in AI research and development, foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, and facilitate the emergence of home-grown AI start-ups.
Moreover, a supportive policy environment will help attract meaningful foreign investment and talent, positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for AI innovation and expertise.
More importantly, an AI policy is essential for addressing ethical considerations and ensuring the responsible deployment of AI technologies.
As AI systems become increasingly integrated into critical domains such as healthcare, finance, and criminal justice administration, it is imperative to establish ethical standards and guidelines to govern their use.
Issues such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, and accountability must be addressed proactively to prevent harm and uphold societal values. An AI policy can provide the necessary framework for promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI development and deployment, thereby fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders.
I am also of the opinion that a well-designed AI policy can help address the socio-economic implications of AI-driven automation and job displacement. While AI has the potential to enhance productivity and create new job opportunities, it also poses challenges such as job displacement and skill mismatches.
Therefore, the Nigerian government must develop strategies for upskilling and reskilling the workforce, promoting lifelong learning, and ensuring that the benefits of AI are equitably distributed across society.
By investing in human capital development and fostering a culture of innovation and lifelong learning, Nigeria can mitigate the adverse effects of AI-driven automation and empower its workforce to thrive in the digital economy.
An AI policy can play a crucial role in advancing Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda. AI technologies have the potential to address complex challenges such as healthcare delivery, education, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
By integrating AI into development planning and policymaking, Nigeria can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery, improve resource allocation, and achieve its development objectives more effectively.
From precision agriculture and telemedicine to smart cities and environmental monitoring, AI can catalyse transformative change and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In crafting an AI policy for Nigeria, it is essential to adopt a multi-stakeholder approach that engages government agencies, industry players, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. Collaboration and dialogue among diverse stakeholders are essential for identifying priorities, addressing concerns, and fostering consensus on key policy issues. This I hope will be very evident at the workshop this week, Moreover, the policy formulation process should be transparent, participatory, and evidence-based, drawing on the expertise and insights of a wide range of stakeholders locally and globally.
Our government must now prioritize capacity building and knowledge sharing to ensure that policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders have the necessary skills and expertise to navigate the complexities of AI governance, I know for a fact that knowledge exchange initiatives will help build institutional capacity and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration in the AI ecosystem.
This must however be done alongside investment in research and development to support indigenous AI talent and promote home-grown innovation in AI technologies.
As I always say, technology is a moving train and it does not give you a choice to elect whether or not to hop in, you are rather compelled to get in and if this is a new reality, we must not pay very intentional attention to curating a policy that seeks to harness the transformative potential of technology while addressing the ethical, legal, and societal implications of its deployment.
*Omoruyi Edoigiawerie is the Founder and Lead Partner at Edoigiawerie & Company LP, a full-service law firm offering bespoke legal services with a focus on start-ups, established businesses, and upscale private clients in Nigeria. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. His firm can be reached by email at hello@uyilaw.com
