The Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence (NRCA) has called on the government to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Religious leaders pointed out that AI was provided by God to facilitate humans’ daily activities, but added that if left unchecked, it could cause significant damage.
They say Nigeria and other African countries must be able to regulate and decide what goes into their spaces and what is allowed in their technological environments.
The religious coalition, in collaboration with the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and Jamatu Nasril Islam (JNI), made this position in Abuja on Thursday during a one-day training on Artificial Intelligence Ethics aimed at providing journalists with practical knowledge on responsible use of AI, ethical considerations and emerging digital standards.
They also believe religious leaders should have a formal say in how artificial intelligence is regulated.
Speaking, the Rt. General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Pastor Evans Onyemara, said humans are created in the image of God and there is nothing other than humans that God has given prominence in creation. He said that humans should control everything and ensure order in the universe.
“Therefore, we believe that humanity needs to deploy things like artificial intelligence in a way that enhances the common good and our existence, and does not put us in harm’s way or harm. It is therefore important that countries adopt strategies and regulations that ensure that the use of AI within their borders is appropriately regulated.”
“We can regulate what we use in Nigeria, and we can support the collective development of the kind of AI that we need and need as a nation.”
When asked if AI should be used in a Biblical manner, the cleric added: “Well, we don’t want to impose a philosophy that AI should be used in a Biblical manner, because what we’re looking for is ethical use. And when we talk about ethics, we’re looking at right and wrong in every action.”
Malam Yusuf Ahmed Bida, Executive Secretary of Jamaat-e-Nasril-Islami, also stated that there are four important elements in the introduction and use of AI from an Islamic perspective.
According to him, this includes using it in good faith without abusing it or making it harmful to the community that uses it.
“It shouldn’t hurt yourself,” he said.
He added that efforts must be made to avoid creating mistrust or problems with the use of AI.
“And you should have a feeling of compassion and responsibility. It should know that these things are a form of mercy towards us from Almighty God to make our work easier. We should also know that we are responsible.”
“Just as we are responsible in life for regulations, we will be responsible on Judgment Day for everything we do with AI.”
He added that governments need to understand the risks associated with AI.
“They should not open up the Nigerian space. When I say Nigerian space, I mean any kind of Nigerian tech space. There should be serious checks on the part of the government.”
“Everything should not be introduced into the technical and science and technology sectors in Nigeria. There needs to be serious oversight. The government must take firm decisions on the issue of AI. Otherwise, it will be disruptive in the near future, as we have seen in some countries where even the use of AI in research is highly regulated.”
