The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the International Standard Organisation (ISO) have established guidelines for the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). However, there are ongoing global efforts to entrench ethical standards to minimise the risks associated with AI.
AI ethics are moral principles that guide the responsible development and use of AI technologies. While there is no universal governing body to enforce these principles, many tech companies have adopted their own versions of an AI code of conduct. AI ethics ensure that stakeholders, including engineers and government officials, develop AI responsibly, taking into account safety, security and environmental sustainability.
A strong AI code of ethics addresses issues like bias, privacy protection and environmental impact. Ethical AI can be implemented through company policies and government regulations, which help to regulate the technology at both national and international levels.
Last week, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Nigeria declared its intent to deploy AI to combat corruption. ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN) made this announcement at the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC) forum in Abuja on September 19, 2024. Aliyu emphasised that AI would help the commission uncover corrupt practices more easily, revealing that within the last 24 hours, ICPC recovered approximately N4 billion stolen by public officeholders.
Aliyu highlighted the potential of technology to promote accountability and good governance, but AI deployment has its dangers, particularly concerning ethics and standards. Does the ICPC have the necessary training for officials to effectively use AI in combating corruption?
Aliyu stated, “Technology can help us tackle challenges if we use it properly and effectively.” However, he cautioned against over-reliance on AI without addressing its inherent risks, such as bias, manipulation and lack of transparency.
Technology, like AI, can provide tools to enhance public procurement, reduce contract inflation and improve data analytics, but outdated or inaccurate data remains a challenge. The commission plans to use AI to minimise these inefficiencies, reduce public sector manipulation, and ensure transparent spending. AI, though promising, must be approached cautiously to avoid unintended consequences.
Recently, experts also raised concerns about the dangers of AI. The future will see AI increasingly influencing daily life. Machines now perform repetitive tasks with precision, and recent advances enable AI to learn, improve and make decisions that were once considered the exclusive domain of human experience, creativity and judgment.
AI innovation is crucial to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by leveraging the vast quantities of data being generated on human health, commerce, communication and other areas. The ITU has pledged to provide a neutral platform where governments, industry and academia can build a shared understanding of AI’s capabilities and develop technical standards and policies.
However, without deliberate efforts to mitigate the risks associated with AI, countries may struggle to achieve the desired results. Speaking at a recent digital press briefing, deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs, Joy Basu noted that while AI presents significant opportunities, the global community must work together to minimise its negative impacts. Basu specifically highlighted risks related to elections, disinformation, and the need for populations to be AI-equipped and AI-literate.
“It’s crucial that people have the skills to engage with AI responsibly and understand the risks, particularly in distinguishing truth from disinformation,” Basu said. She also emphasised the importance of inclusivity in AI development, ensuring that the technology serves all people, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographic location.
Acting Special Envoy for critical and emerging technology, Dr. Seth Centre explained that the U.S. is partnering with Africa to develop AI technology in ways that are safe, secure and trustworthy. The goal is to create frameworks for AI governance that enable broad access to AI tools and education while mitigating risks. Centre pointed out that AI, as a global technology, requires concerted efforts to develop governance frameworks that promote innovation while protecting societal values.
In Nigeria, AI has the potential to drive economic development by providing scalable solutions in critical sectors like agriculture, healthcare and energy. AI can help smallholder farmers adopt high-yield farming techniques, enable digital healthcare services for disease management and enhance energy generation and distribution.
However, the challenges of developing local AI solutions are significant. Nigeria’s poor education system, lack of data infrastructure, and low broadband penetration pose major obstacles. The government must invest in digital literacy and STEM education, expand broadband access and support research and development to foster homegrown AI solutions.
When the ITU hosted the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) in Kampala, Uganda, in July 2024, ITU secretary-general, Maureen Bogdan-Martin stressed the importance of adopting regulatory approaches that harness transformative technologies like AI. The symposium underscored Africa’s need for broadband mapping systems to attract investment and drive digital transformation across the continent. Eleven African countries, including Nigeria, are benefiting from a €15 million project funded by the European Commission to support broadband development.
At the GSR, regulators agreed on best practices for balancing innovation with regulation to maximise the societal and economic benefits of AI. Key activities included knowledge sharing, capacity-building and the development of AI governance frameworks that encourage responsible innovation.
AI offers enormous potential to address development challenges in Nigeria and beyond. From combating corruption to improving healthcare, agriculture and energy, AI can transform key sectors and accelerate progress toward the SDGs. However, the ethical deployment of AI requires a balanced approach, taking into account the risks of bias, privacy invasion and environmental impact.
The Nigerian government must invest in education, broadband infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to enable the country to harness the full potential of AI. By doing so, Nigeria can create a future where AI is used responsibly and ethically, delivering long-term benefits to its citizens while safeguarding against potential harms.
