The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies has been hailed as a game-changer for Nigeria’s growth and development. Governments and stakeholders have been urged to harness the power of AI in key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, environmental protection, and more. The Nigerian government has recognized the potential of AI to drive sustainable development, particularly in riverine areas, which face unique challenges and opportunities. According to Hon. Donald Ojogo, a member of the House of Representatives, AI can be a powerful tool in addressing immediate needs in various sectors.

1. Healthcare: AI can help improve healthcare services, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes.
2. Agriculture: AI can optimize crop yields, predict weather patterns, and improve farming practices.
3. Education: AI can personalize learning, improve student outcomes, and increase access to education.
4. Environmental Protection: AI can help monitor and mitigate the impact of climate change, reduce waste, and improve environmental sustainability.

“AI is rapidly opening a new frontier in business, corporate practices, economic practices, human society, and governmental policy. It holds significant potential for driving sustainable development in the riverine areas, a region with unique challenges and burgeoning opportunities.”

Hon. Ojogo emphasized the need for interdisciplinary research to bridge the gap between AI technology and its practical implications. He suggested that collaborations between computer scientists, economists, sociologists, and environmental scientists could lead to holistic solutions that are both technologically sound and culturally relevant.

“For instance, integrating indigenous knowledge systems with AI-based models could lead to innovations that are uniquely suited to local challenges, thereby enhancing community acceptance and effectiveness.”

Hon. Ojogo also stressed the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation to assess the impact and sustainability of AI. He recommended that future research could develop advanced analytical tools and methodologies to measure the effectiveness of AI technologies in real-time.

1. Develop advanced analytical tools and methodologies to measure the effectiveness of AI technologies in real-time.
2. Assess the impact and sustainability of AI in various sectors.
3. Develop holistic solutions that are both technologically sound and culturally relevant.

Dr. Awe Agboluga, another keynote speaker, emphasized the need for AI standards to address the “black box” problem and enhance transparency in financial and corporate governance applications. He recommended that the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) should mandate AI standards.

Dr. Agboluga also suggested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and professional bodies like ANAN and ICAN should develop AI ethics training programs to address algorithmic bias and promote ethical governance. “The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy should strengthen the enforcement of the NDPR to ensure data privacy and security in AI deployment.”

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration of ABUAD, Prof. Olasupo Ijabadeniyi, emphasized the importance of aligning the university’s curriculum and research priorities with the technologies shaping our future. He said that ABUAD is taking proactive steps to introduce various skills to its students, including Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, and more.

In conclusion, the integration of AI technologies has the potential to drive sustainable development in Nigeria. Governments and stakeholders must work together to harness the power of AI in key sectors and address the challenges associated with its deployment. By doing so, Nigeria can unlock its potential for growth and development.