By NANA HAUWA MUSA

The Special Adviser to the President on policy and coordination, Hadiza Usman, says Nigeria is committed to becoming one of the global leaders in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Usman stated this at the Colloquium on AI Policy in Nigeria, with the theme “Navigating Opportunities and Challenges For National Development” in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, Nigeria is aiming to be amongst the top-50 AI ready countries.

Usman, who was represented by Dr. Khalifa Nuhu, Head of the Central Results Delivery and Coordination Unit, said there was need for leadership, vision, investment, and partnerships to achieve the country’s AI goals.

She called for collaboration with local and international partners, including public and academic sectors, for successful AI implementation.

Usman emphasized the importance of contextualizing AI policies to address the country’s specific problems and challenges.

“Open-mindedness and acknowledgment of concerns are crucial for effective AI policy development and implementation.

“Africa’s participation in the AI space with Nigeria making significant strides, as evidenced by its inclusion in Times Magazine’s list of top AI-ready countries,” she said.

Hawwau Gambo, Head of Communications Public Affairs in the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC), reiterated the commission’s commitment to policies and partnerships that leveraged on technology to protect depositors.

Gambo said that the commission would strengthen the confidence of the financial system for the betterment of the nation.

She said that all those creative technological minds that were innovating products and services using AI were not stifled by the policy.

The NDIC spokesperson said that whatever regulation or policies being brought, was not meant to stifle the innovation happening.

“We have to find a way to make sure that whatever regulation or whatever policies are being brought out does not stifle the innovation that is happening.

“So as we reflect on how Nigeria can harness AI responsibly, we have to ensure that no one is left behind in its transformation.

“We have to ensure that all those creative technological minds that are innovating products and services using AI are not stifled by the policy.

“But on the other side of it, we have to bring up guidelines and regulations that also protect the end users of those technologies.

While commending the organizers, Gambo pledged the NDIC commitment to policies and partnerships that leveraged on technology to protect depositors, strengthen the confidence of financial system for the good of the nation.

The Chief Executive Officer, Saban Media Services, Leah Katung-Babatunde said that the colloquium on AI policy in Nigeria aimed to bridge communication gaps and highlight the relevance of their mission.

Babatunde said that the Artificial intelligence was presented as a transformative technology with immense potential in healthcare, agriculture, and public services.

She stressed the need to address both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI.

According to her, the discussion aims to establish ethical frameworks and ensure inclusive and equitable AI.

The CEO said that the conversation would lay the groundwork for a robust and forward-thinking AI policy that fostered innovation while safeguarding values and people.

“Our colloquium today, AI Policy in Nigeria: Navigating the opportunities and challenges for national development, is a testament to the relevance of our mission.

“AI is not a distant concept, it is here, and its potential to transform our society is immense.

“From revolutionizing healthcare and agriculture to enhancing our economy and public services, AI offers a new frontier of possibilities.

“However, with great power comes great responsibility. As we embrace the opportunities of AI, we must also proactively address the challenges.” (NAN)