Abuja: Stakeholders on Wednesday called for the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance framework to ensure that it was responsibly deployed. The stakeholders made the call at the 17th annual conference of the Information System Audit and Control Association (ISACA) in Abuja. The three-day conference has its theme as: ‘AI and Digital Trust: A Global Perspective on Opportunities, Threats and Future Strategies.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Omoke, President of ISACA, Abuja Chapter, emphasized the importance of using AI responsibly for the benefit of everyone. He highlighted the need to turn potential risks associated with AI into opportunities, not just for individuals but also for countries and the global community. Omoke pointed out some dangers of AI, such as its capability to alter genetics, which necessitate collaborative efforts among stakeholders for its responsible use.
Mr. Tayo Koleosho, Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), discussed an electronic pricing program aimed at improving tax compliance and reducing audit burdens on businesses. He explained that the initiative seeks to harness and consolidate transaction data across the country, facilitating easier tax reporting for companies. Koleosho noted that clean and accurate data are crucial for AI’s effectiveness, as inaccurate data could lead to false insights, or “hallucinations,” by AI systems.
Mr. Hanniel Jafaru, Executive Director of Ham Tech Career (HTC) Academy, pointed out that only 17 out of 54 African countries have adopted national AI strategies, but none have developed governance frameworks to regulate AI’s ethical use. He stressed the need for frameworks to define acceptable practices, manage risks like digital propaganda and deep fakes, and incorporate ethics into AI models. Jafaru argued that a governance framework would help mitigate risks and guide AI’s development.
Mrs. Sushila Nair, Chief Executive Officer of Cybernetic LLC, called for stronger collaboration among cybersecurity professionals to protect critical infrastructure from global cyber threats. She noted that while technology drives businesses and economies, it also exposes nations and companies to risks from criminals and non-state actors. Nair highlighted how wars and conflicts are increasingly conducted through technology, such as cyberattacks on essential systems like power and telecommunications, underscoring the need for collective efforts to secure infrastructure.