LAGOS – Religious leaders across Nigeria are urging the government to adopt an inclusive, value-driven framework to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and deployment.
The call was made during a media training organised by the Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence (NRC-AI) in Lagos on Monday.
Rt. Rev. Dr Evans Onyemara, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), said the council is partnering with the Future of Life Institute to build AI awareness among religious leaders and is collaborating with Jama’atu Nasril Islam to promote interfaith AI governance.
He called on government to involve faith-based organisations and civil society groups in AI policy-making. CCN Director, Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi, stressed that AI policies must be rooted in justice, accountability, and human dignity, while protecting indigenous values and critical thinking among youths.
Civil society partner Philip Jakpor highlighted the media’s role in promoting ethical AI adoption, while Ms Nkechi Oseni, CCN Programmes Officer, advocated for an independent AI Ethics Expert Group and standardised assessment mechanisms to ensure AI projects align with Nigeria’s cultural and religious values.
The coalition emphasised that responsible AI development must uphold constitutional principles and safeguard the interests of future generations.
