Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), private sector and the government to ensure that Nigeria isn’t just talking about AI but is also using it to boost the economy.
Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, Gbenga Sesan, noted this at the stakeholders engagement on Nigeria’s AI strategy and digital economy and e-governance bill in Abuja on Thursday.
He disclosed that the engagement under the organisation’s Digital Policy Engagement Series (DiPES) is an in-depth dialogue and analysis on critical legislative documents that shape the digital landscape in Africa.
He said Nigeria must move beyond just producing documents filled with lofty ideas adding that they the need implementation of the AI.
He said, “If there is any time in Nigeria when policy engagement is needed, it is now, especially in a nation where protesters are being labeled criminals, arrested, and charged for advocating for a better country.”
” We are focusing on Nigeria’s AI strategy. Nigeria has announced that it is a global AI player, and if we are, we cannot continue doing things the way we used to.
“We set up a center for AI and robotics many years ago, but we can’t exactly say we’ve achieved much. This time, we must move beyond just producing documents filled with lofty ideas. We need implementation.
“The second conversation we are having is about the Digital Economy Bill. It’s great to discuss this and bring it to the table. How do we translate digital economy opportunities into lowering the cost of food in Nigeria?
He also highlighted that the second reason for holding this discussion is that Nigeria has willing participants from civil society and other stakeholders who are eager to engage in these important discussions.
Also, the Digital Gender and Media Rights Lawyer and Executive Director of DigiCivic Initiative, Mojirayo Ogunlana stated that the program is timely because it offers stakeholders the chance to begin discussions on AI and the adoption of a national policy surrounding it.
In her words “Whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay. There is a lot of fear around its adoption, especially regarding corruption, because AI can be manipulated. It’s true that anything created by humans can be used for both good and bad purposes.
“AI dependence can benefit the economy. If you look at scientific breakthroughs, AI is already helping people access medical procedures that were previously impossible. But of course, there’s also the risk that it could be used for harmful purposes,” she said.
She further said that the gathering is about ensuring stakeholders have a conversation so that when the government finally implements a policy, it will come from a multi-stakeholder perspective, rather than a one-sided approach.
