Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has engaged stakeholders and civil society in discussions about Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy and the Digital Economy Bill.
Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, explained that they are hosting this digital policy engagement because it is crucial for policy engagement to happen now.
He said, “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.”
Sesan noted that the conversation would focus 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.
“We set up a center for AI and robotics many years ago, but we can’t exactly say we’ve achieved much. This time, we must move beyond just producing documents filled with lofty ideas. We need implementation.
“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.
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He also highlighted that the second reason for holding this discussion is that Nigeria has willing participants from civil society and other stakeholders who are eager to engage in these important discussions.
“As we say at Paradigm Initiative, the civic space in Nigeria must be appreciated for its role, which is to keep those in power accountable, ensuring that we build a better nation.”
Mojirayo Ogunlano, a Digital Gender and Media Rights Lawyer and Executive Director of DigiCivic Initiative, stated that the program is timely because it offers stakeholders the chance to begin discussions on AI and the adoption of a national policy surrounding it.
“Whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay. There is a lot of fear around its adoption, especially regarding corruption, because AI can be manipulated. It’s true that anything created by humans can be used for both good and bad purposes.
“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,” Ogunlano explained.
She added that the gathering is about ensuring stakeholders have a conversation so that when the government finally implements a policy, it will come from a multi-stakeholder perspective, rather than a one-sided approach.
The engagement, part of PIN’s Digital Policy Engagement Series (DiPES), will allow delegates to engage in in-depth dialogue and analysis of critical legislative documents shaping the digital landscape in Africa.
As a significant contributor to policy change, PIN seeks to use this platform to further the conversation on Nigeria’s AI strategy and the Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.
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