Industry experts and policymakers have stressed the urgent need for a governance framework to guide the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The call was made during the 17th annual conference of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), held in Abuja under the theme: “AI and Digital Trust: A Global Perspective on Opportunities, Threats and Future Strategies.”
Emmanuel Omoke, President of ISACA Abuja Chapter, noted that AI is now a permanent part of modern life and must be harnessed responsibly.
“AI has come to stay; the question is how to turn it into an opportunity. We must also find ways to manage the risks so they do not harm individuals, nations, or the global community,” Omoke said.
He highlighted the potential dangers of AI, including its capacity to influence sensitive areas such as genetics, stressing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure responsible deployment.
Tayo Koleosho, Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), explained that the agency is adopting an electronic pricing programme to simplify tax compliance and reduce audit burdens for businesses.
He added that the initiative will aggregate transaction data nationwide, enabling the FIRS to leverage AI and data analytics for improved efficiency.
“One of the key challenges is ensuring that AI relies on clean and accurate data. Poor-quality data leads to false insights, also known as hallucinations. Beyond accuracy, protecting data privacy is equally important, as much of this information is sensitive and personal,” he stated.
Speaking on Africa’s AI readiness, Hanniel Jafaru, Executive Director of Ham Tech Career (HTC) Academy, revealed that only 17 of the continent’s 54 countries have adopted national AI strategies, and none has yet established a governance framework.
He argued that such frameworks are critical for addressing ethical concerns, curbing risks like deepfakes and digital propaganda, and embedding trust into AI systems.
“Countries around the world are moving beyond strategy to adopt full governance frameworks. These frameworks are essential to determine how AI is applied and controlled,” Jafaru emphasized.
In her remarks, Sushila Nair, Chief Executive Officer of Cybernetic LLC, called for stronger collaboration among cybersecurity professionals to protect critical infrastructure from global cyber threats.
She warned that technology is increasingly being weaponized, with cyberattacks targeting power grids, telecommunications, and other essential systems.
“Wars today are not only fought with bombs and guns; they are fought with technology. Cybercriminals are global, and we must work together to secure our infrastructure and protect our people,” Nair said.