The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Usman, says Nigeria is committed to becoming one of the global leaders in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Usman made this known at the Colloquium on AI Policy in Nigeria, themed “Navigating Opportunities and Challenges for National Development”, in Abuja on Thursday. She said Nigeria was aiming to be among the top 50 AI-ready countries. Represented by Dr Khalifa Nuhu, Head of the Central Results Delivery and Coordination Unit, Usman stressed the need for leadership, vision, investment and partnerships to achieve the country’s AI goals.
She called for collaboration with local and international partners, including public and academic sectors, for successful AI implementation, while emphasising the importance of contextualising AI policies to address Nigeria’s specific challenges. “Open-mindedness and acknowledgment of concerns are crucial for effective AI policy development and implementation. Africa’s participation in the AI space with Nigeria making significant strides, as evidenced by its inclusion in Times Magazine’s list of top AI-ready countries,” she said.
Hawwau Gambo, Head of Communications Public Affairs at the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC), reiterated the commission’s commitment to policies and partnerships that leverage technology to protect depositors. Gambo said the commission was working to strengthen public confidence in the financial system and ensure that innovative minds in AI were not stifled.
“We have to find a way to make sure that whatever regulation or policies are being brought out does not stifle the innovation that is happening. So as we reflect on how Nigeria can harness AI responsibly, we have to ensure that no one is left behind in its transformation. We have to ensure that all those creative technological minds that are innovating products and services using AI are not stifled by the policy. But on the other side of it, we have to bring up guidelines and regulations that also protect the end users of those technologies,” she said.
While commending the organisers, Gambo pledged NDIC’s commitment to technology-driven policies and partnerships to safeguard depositors and reinforce financial system stability.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Saban Media Services, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said the colloquium on AI policy in Nigeria aimed to bridge communication gaps and highlight the relevance of their mission. She described AI as a transformative technology with immense potential in healthcare, agriculture and public services, stressing the importance of balancing opportunities and challenges.
“AI is not a distant concept, it is here, and its potential to transform our society is immense. From revolutionising healthcare and agriculture to enhancing our economy and public services, AI offers a new frontier of possibilities. However, with great power comes great responsibility. As we embrace the opportunities of AI, we must also proactively address the challenges,” she said.
Babatunde added that the conversation would establish ethical frameworks and ensure inclusive and equitable AI, laying the groundwork for a robust policy that fosters innovation while safeguarding values and people.
(NAN)