Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense potential for Nigeria’s growth, from improving agriculture and healthcare to streamlining financial services. However, for this potential to be fully realized, AI development and implementation must be fair and responsible. Biases in data used to train AI systems can lead to discriminatory outcomes. Imagine a loan application system that unintentionally disadvantages certain demographics due to historical biases in lending practices. This could exacerbate existing inequalities.

Transparency is another crucial aspect.  Nigerians need to understand how AI systems are making decisions that affect them. An opaque AI system used in recruitment, for instance, could unfairly exclude qualified candidates.

Nigeria, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, requires AI that reflects these realities.  Global AI principles might not always consider the specific needs and contexts of the country.

CADEF recognizes the importance of fair and responsible AI for Nigeria’s future. We are committed to working with stakeholders to ensure AI is developed and used in a way that benefits all Nigerians, promotes inclusive growth, and fosters trust in this powerful technology. We believe that the just and equitable use of artificial intelligence is fundamental in mitigating biases and building trust. Our primary goal is to promote policy dialog, raise awareness of these challenges, and encourage the mitigation of any biases present in AI systems, especially those that have a significant impact on people’s lives, such as loan approvals, job applications, or the criminal justice system.