Ben Kalu: We’re developing national AI policy to protect citizens’ rights, democratic values

Ben Kalu, the deputy speaker of the house of representatives, says the administration of President Bola Tinubu is developing a national policy on artificial intelligence.

Speaking to delegates at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday, Kalu stated that while AI presents several positive opportunities, “we must also address the associated threats”.

“Our legislative and executive actions clearly reflect Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing science, technology, and innovation (STI),” the deputy speaker said.

“In 2022, Nigeria’s parliament passed the Nigeria Startup Act, a landmark legislation aimed at engineering a conducive environment for technology and innovation startups.

“The Act provides a legal framework that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in our country, helping STI startups to thrive.

“This law also emphasises public-private partnerships, knowledge transfer, and incentives for investments in emerging technologies.

“Building on this momentum, under the leadership of his excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is now working towards the adoption of a national artificial intelligence (AI) policy framework.”

Kalu said the policy will pave the way for the ethical use of AI in addressing key challenges, from automating agricultural processes to enhancing healthcare delivery.

“We envision a future where AI optimizes wage employment rather than undermine it, ensuring that automation leads to job creation rather than destruction,” he said.

“As digital transformation accelerates, the rise of AI brings both opportunities and challenges. In Nigeria, AI is emerging as a powerful tool in sectors such as governance, financial services, and public administration. Yet, as with any technological leap, we must be mindful of the risks.”

Kalu said while enhancing efficiency, AI raises concerns about data protection, misinformation, and job displacement.

He noted that the integrity of universal electoral processes is a global imperative, and recent developments in AI are posing threats to this, “especially the spread of disinformation and cyber vulnerabilities in election systems”.

Kalu said Nigeria supports international efforts to develop inclusive, transparent, and ethical AI frameworks that protect human rights and democratic values.

“We call for AI’s responsible use to safeguard the integrity of democratic processes, particularly against threats such as deepfakes and the spread of disinformation,” he said.

“As a country that champions democratic governance, Nigeria seeks to lead in discussions on AI’s role in protecting the rule of law.

“Our ongoing development of a national AI policy will establish the legal foundations necessary to protect citizens’ rights while enabling innovation to thrive.”

The deputy speaker said Nigeria is committed to increasing investments in digital infrastructure and is actively seeking partnerships with global stakeholders to support its efforts in building a resilient STI ecosystem that can accelerate sustainable development and create opportunities for all.