By George Ozalla
Diverse stakeholders and civil society organisations’ representatives at a conference in Abuja Thursday deliberated on policy, laws, benefits and other challenges of Artificial Intelligence, an initiative of Paradigm Initiative (PIN) which was meant to review and brainstorm on Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy and the Digital Economy Bill as well as proffer solutions.
Mr Gbenga Sesan, the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative (PIN), while addressing newsmen during the conference emphasized that the organisation has interest in organizing the digital policy multi-stakeholder engaging conference due to its utmost importance and urgency of now.
Sesan stated, “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.”
He went further to highlight that the conversation would center more on two key issues. “first, 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.
Emphasizing further: “we set up a center for AI and robotics many years ago, but we cannot exactly say we’ve achieved much. This time, we must move beyond just producing documents filled with lofty ideas. We need implementation strategy.
“Civil society must collaborate with the private sector and the government to ensure that Nigeria isn’t just talking about AI but is also using it to boost the economy.
“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?
“This is essential because if these things aren’t connected, we are only deceiving ourselves with these conversations,” Sesan said.
He mentioned that the second reason for the roundtable discussion is to get interested participants from civil society and other stakeholders who are keen to interrogate and actively engage in conversations around Artificial intelligence, increase awareness and advocacy.
Sesan frowned at the level the civic space is fast shrinking because of obvious intimidation and persecutions in a civilian democratic government.
Barrister Precious Nwadike in her presentation, analysed the Draft National Digital Economy and E-governance bill, outlining the key provisions therein such as: objectives and purpose, bill overview, positives and gaps and recommendations.
Media Rights Lawyer and Executive Director: DigiCivic Initiative, Mojirayo Ogunlano remarked that the program is coming at an auspicious moment because it presents ample platform for multi-stakeholders commencement of conversations on AI and fusing it into national policy framework.
Ogunlano further explained, “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 also pointed out.
She expressed optimism that at least eventually government will summon the political will to implement good policy, arising from a multi-stakeholder angle rather than sole imposition.
The on-going conversations, part of PIN’s Digital Policy Engagement Series (DiPES), will by extension allow participants to engage in series of in-depth dialogue and analysis of critical legislative documents shaping the digital landscape not only in Nigeria but Africa as a whole.
Expected outcome of the conference is to be formally submitted to the relevant ministry and agency.
