The publisher of PRNigeria, Yushau A. Shuaib, has unveiled key findings from his latest research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in crisis communication at the National Crisis Communication Symposium organised by the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) in Abuja.

The study—endorsed by the CCC and supported by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)—reveals a rapidly growing, though uneven, adoption of AI tools across Nigeria’s security, emergency response, and public communication sectors.

Drawing from a survey of 182 crisis communication professionals and interviews with five senior experts, Shuaib—who spoke on the sidelines of the symposium—revealed that 75.8% of respondents are familiar with AI applications, while 54.9% confirmed that their organisations already deploy AI tools during emergencies. The respondents, he noted, were predominantly seasoned officers with over 11 years of experience, drawn from security agencies, emergency services, and a mix of public and private institutions.

According to the findings, AI tools are increasingly used for public information dissemination (50%), social media monitoring (40.7%), emergency coordination (31.3%), early warning systems (25.3%), and risk assessment (24.7%). ChatGPT remains the most widely adopted platform at 75.3%, followed by Meta AI and Google Gemini. Many professionals also turn to AI for brainstorming, drafting press releases, summarising reports, and producing social media content.

Shuaib observed that while AI enhances message clarity—confirmed by 80% of respondents—trust in AI-generated alerts remains fragile. “Over 51% of the respondents still trust human updates more than AI alerts,” he said. Nevertheless, 63.2% believe AI already outperforms traditional communication methods in high-pressure emergencies.

The study also highlights improvements in crisis response times: 65.9% acknowledge faster communication, and 58.8% praise the 24/7 availability of AI-powered systems. Overall satisfaction with AI responsiveness reached 80.2%, with clarity of messaging identified as the most valued benefit.

Despite the progress, Shuaib cautioned that AI usage in Nigeria remains largely tactical rather than strategic. He pointed out that adoption is skewed toward content creation and monitoring, while predictive analytics and early risk detection are underutilised. He added that digital literacy, affordability, and infrastructure deficiencies continue to hinder equitable access, noting that 33.5% of respondents identified accessibility challenges.

The researcher added that although AI is already reshaping crisis communication—especially in public messaging and real-time monitoring—its full potential is far from being fully realised. “The future clearly points toward deeper AI integration,” Shuaib said. “But success will depend on enhanced training, stronger digital infrastructure, and a well-balanced synergy between AI systems and human expertise.”

He concluded by announcing that the whole research project will be formally unveiled at the next National Spokespersons Awards in Abuja in 2026.

Earlier in his keynote address, the Director General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, called for an AI-driven task force to counter misinformation during crises, especially elections. He warned that while technology itself is neutral, its misuse can trigger economic shocks, polarise societies, and enable the spread of harmful content. Inuwa also emphasised the need for regulation of big tech, accountability of digital platforms, and the establishment of independent crisis management centres aligned with local realities. He cited Nigeria’s ongoing efforts, including the Nigerian Data Protection Commission and the proposed Online Harm Protection Bill.

In his remarks as chairman of the occasion, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris Malagi—represented by Voice of Nigeria Director General Jibrin Ndace—described the symposium as timely given the growing influence of social media and AI. He urged ethical use of digital tools to promote peace and unity and expressed hope that the symposium would become an annual engagement.

CCC Chairman, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade (Rtd.), underscored the strategic value of crisis communication, describing it as a national security asset. He stressed the need for technology-driven solutions to strengthen early warning, verified information dissemination, and inter-agency coordination.

Other speakers at the panel session included Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Secretary General of the African Public Relations Association (APRA); Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times; a representative of NDPC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Vincent Olatunji; and the spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ACC Abdullahi Maiwada.

The symposium brought together key stakeholders from security institutions, communication experts, academics, emergency managers, media professionals, and civil society advocates—demonstrating a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s crisis communication architecture. (By PRNigeria)

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