By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence (NRCAI), has advocated for an Artificial Intelligence that is ethically and justice-driven in Nigeria.
According to the body, AI policy and use in Nigeria must have such values as justice, compassion, accountability, and human dignity as core principles.
The body made this position at a training for journalists across the S/South region, on effective reporting of NACAI on reducing artificial general intelligence, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday.
It would be noted that in 2024, the federal government launched the Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), with an implementation target of 2025-2026 to position the nation as a leading African AI hub. The policy focuses on economic growth, social inclusion, and ethical AI development across sectors like agriculture and healthcare, while targeting top-tier AI adoption by 2030.
In his presentation, the Director, Christian Council of Nigeria, Institute of Church and Society, Ibadan, Very Rev Kolade Fadahunsi, called for the decoloniality of AI in Nigeria, stating that the technology poses a threat as it has the capability of replacing humans in terms of worship and work.
He also observed that there is no penalty for any misuse. “Everybody uses what he or she finds, especially as it is a new technology, which is presently affecting the fabrics of our society, morally, ethically, value and representation as a people,” he said.
Very Rev Fadahunsi emphasised that Artificial Intelligence that will come to Nigeria must serve humanity and protect dignity of Nigerians,” saying, “The coalition actually looks at ethical issues when it comes to AI use in Nigeria as very core and germane, and because it is what is right, what is good, what is just, ethically, that is what we stand for. And also AI that we will use must be compassionate, must be jistice-driven, must be transparent and also accountable.”
He further emphasised that the coalition’s focus centres on responsible AI development as reflected in the NAIS 2024 Pillar 4, stating that we must use the AI we grow and we must grow the AI we use.
“And because government is in the process through National Strategy on Artificial intelligence (NSAI) that will be gradually developed to become a policy, then we say that the voices of religious people must be there to speak on the ethical aspect because we are the moral guide.
“This is a religious country, if you like it and then we believe that it must be balanced. Then fairness and justice, not what will be totally in the area of making profit, but will serve humanity,” he said.
He highlighted the role of journalists in ensuring responsible use of AI in Nigeria. “We see you (journalists) as a critical partner, very crucial partner, very reliable partner and a stakeholder that is very important because you control the pulse of information in the country.
“And as a stakeholder in this, we want journalists to write from the perspective of pronouncing and supporting de-coallition, to demand for AI that is ethically responsible to Nigerians and also that when government is making the policies of AI, it must be all-inclusive, a one that will protect us against the super intelligence and the companies that want to make profit at the expense of humanity and we also want God to be reflective in the AI contents that will come to Nigeria,” Very Rev Fadahunsi stated.
On his part, the Chief Imam of Imo state, Sheikh Barrister Suleiman Yusuf, in his presentation titled: “Ethical Position on AI from Islamic Perspective”, emphasised moderation in the use of technology to avoid it’s negative impact mm
“Our purpose for being on earth is to represent God and then to go to do things that pleases God, live a righteous life. So if AI would come to deviate us from the true position, from the true reason why we are here, it’s not allowed because after everything the AI will go and then we will die and come back to God.
“So what will we tell God? We will say AI that was invented or manufactured by those that are making profit from it have now debated for us from the true teaching or from the true meaning why God created us. That means we have lost everything,” he said.
He pointed out that journalists have a role to play in ensuring that AI does not pose a threat to worship. “While Islam allows progression and AI, any progress that will divert you from the knowledge of God is not allowed,” he said.
He encouraged journalists to report the truth and be honest in their receiving information and spreading. “Make sure that what they spread is the truth because also as a journalist you will account for all what you have spread as news before God on the day of judgment and it will be part of your judgment,” he stated.
