AI’s Role in Shaping Nigeria’s Governance and Professionalism
The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has highlighted the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize human achievement, set standards, professionalize practices, and enhance Nigeria's governance framework when used ethically and thoughtfully.
As nations advance in AI research and emerging markets make significant progress, ICSAN emphasized that Nigeria must not remain passive but should lead discussions on the ethical, responsible, and effective use of AI to improve institutional functions.
During ICSAN's 49th annual conference, Chairman Udo Udoma stressed the importance of defining responsibilities and establishing systems to ensure accountability as AI impacts all facets of business and governance.
Udoma underscored the need to translate technological capabilities into tangible benefits for integrity, service delivery, and stakeholder trust, while minimizing regulatory risks in AI governance, noting the National Assembly's involvement in these issues.
In his keynote address, Dr. Femi Oyenuga, Group Executive Director of Chams Holding Company, described AI as a pivotal point in governance, urging the institute to safeguard integrity, enable transparency, and ensure human-centered accountability for improved AI outcomes.
Oyenuga noted that AI can significantly enhance governance outcomes through predictive oversight, operational transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.
ICSAN President and Governing Council Chairman Uto Ukpanah pointed out that AI offers opportunities to fundamentally transform governance when applied appropriately.
She urged Nigeria, like many developing nations, to leverage AI to transform electoral processes, improve financial accountability, modernize corporate governance, and enhance service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies.
Ukpanah also called on professionals and corporate leaders to embrace ethical AI to boost professional efficiency and stimulate the economy for sustainable development.
She emphasized the growing influence of AI on governance and business operations, stating that "AI has come to change the way things are done in many areas of human life, especially in the commercial world and professional milieu."