ABUJA–The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, on Thursday, called for an urgent review of existing laws in the country to address emerging challenges posed by the use of Artificial Intelligence.
The right body warned that AI, if not governed with robust ethical frameworks, could accentuate inequalities, result in algorithmic bias, invade privacy, and ultimately infringe on human rights.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, spoke at a workshop on human rights dimensions of AI governance, which the Commission organized in collaboration with International Network for Corporate Social Responsibility, IN-CRS.
Ojukwu, SAN, stressed that the world is at a jncture in history, when technology, particularly AI, is reshaping the fabrics of societies, economies and even perceptions of what it means to be human.
“This meeting is not a mere discussion but a clarion call for renewed focus on ensuring that technological progress does not outpace the responsibility to protect human rights.
“We are at an intersection where we need to embrace the new digital frontier with human dignity with AI being both a catalyst and a challenge.
“It is no longer news that AI has emerged as one of the most transformative forces of our times. Its capabilities in data processing, automation, and decision-making have opened new avenues for innovation, economic expansion, and improved public service delivery. Yet, with great power comes great responsibility.
“Although AI is increasingly becoming more sophisticated, the central role of human oversight remains vital. Our mandate is to ensure that human judgment grounded in ethical and rights principles guides the deployment and evolution of AI.
“As we stand on the tip of an AI-driven future, I call upon each of our policymakers, technologists, business leaders, civil society advocates, and international partners to join us in this critical journey. Let us work together to ensure that:
“Innovation and human rights go hand in hand by ensuring that the transformative potential of AI is fully harnessed only when it elevates human dignity.
“Our regulatory frameworks evolve through the continuous review and refining of our legal and normative frameworks to address emerging challenges while safeguarding fundamental rights,” Ojukwu, added.
In his remarks, the President of IN-CRS, Mr. Eustace Onuegbu, equally acknowledged that the rapid advancement of AI has presented both immense opportunities and potential challenges, especially as it relates to human rights and ethical considerations.
“This discussion is particularly relevant to the African context, where the development and deployment of AI technologies are rapidly increasing, and where the unique challenges and opportunities of this technology must be addressed,” he added.
Likewise, a representative from United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Switzerland, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, who was one of the online participants at the workshop, said there was need for Nigeria to balance the benefit of AI with human rights safeguards.
