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IPU: Nigeria Advocates for Responsible Artificial Intelligence Usage to Protect Democratic Values - Kalu.

Kalu noted that the Federal Government is making strides toward the implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework.

In an effort to leverage the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while safeguarding democratic principles, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has stated that Nigeria is actively implementing strategies to ensure the responsible application of this technology.

On Monday, the Deputy Speaker revealed information while speaking to an array of international delegates during the ongoing 149th General Debate of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The theme of this year’s debate is "Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for a More Peaceful and Sustainable Future," taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

He said: "Our legislative and executive actions clearly reflect Nigeria's commitment to harnessing STI. In 2022, Nigeria’s parliament passed the Nigeria Startup Act, a landmark legislation aimed at engineering a conducive environment for technology and innovation startups. The Act provides a legal framework that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in our country, helping STI startups to thrive. This law also emphasizes public-private partnerships, knowledge transfer, and incentives for
investments in emerging technologies.

"Building on this momentum, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is now working towards the adoption of a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Framework. Led by our Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, this policy will pave the way for the ethical use of AI in addressing key challenges, from automating agricultural processes to enhancing healthcare delivery.

"We envision a future where AI optimizes wage employment, rather than undermine it, ensuring that automation leads to job creation rather than destruction.

"As digital transformation accelerates, the rise of AI brings both opportunities and challenges. In Nigeria, AI is emerging as a powerful tool in sectors
such as governance, financial services, and public administration. Yet, as with any technological leap, we must be mindful of the risks.

"Artificial Intelligence, while enhancing efficiency, raises concerns about data protection, misinformation, and job displacement. The integrity of universal electoral processes is a global imperative and recent developments in Artificial Intelligence are posing threats to this, especially the spread of disinformation and cyber vulnerabilities in election systems.

"Irrespective of this, Nigeria continues to support international efforts to develop inclusive, transparent, and ethical AI frameworks that protect human rights and democratic values.

"We call for AI’s responsible use to
safeguard the integrity of democratic processes, particularly against threats
such as deepfakes and the spread of disinformation".