Raphael Oni
Members of the ECOWAS Parliament have been called upon to exploit the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost parliamentary efficiency, promote democracy, and development in the West African sub-region. The regional legislators gathered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, for the Second Parliamentary Seminar of the ECOWAS Parliament, themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance, and Development in the ECOWAS Region.”
A New Era of Governance,the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hajia Memounatou Ibrahima, emphasized that AI is a global competitive tool that can improve democracy by providing a better regulatory framework. She noted that AI is a tangible reality that offers better potential for facilitating communication between parliamentarians and the people of West Africa, enhancing social and economic growth.
Unlocking Opportunities,the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Jubrin Barau, highlighted the opportunities AI presents for legislators, including enhancing efficiency, strengthening accountability, and promoting development. He tasked the legislators to deepen their understanding of AI and propose concrete pathways to harness it responsibly and ethically. In his words, “AI is reshaping governance, economies, and societies worldwide. For us legislators, AI presents opportunities to enhance efficiency, strengthen accountability, and promote development,”
A Call to Action,the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, urged the parliamentarians to brainstorm and present possible legislations on how AI can serve democratic governance. In the same vien, Professor Ngozi Odu, representing the Governor of Rivers State said, “Harnessing AI for parliamentary efficiency should be domesticated to accommodate our traditional governance structures with emerging ecosystems,” said
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Dunoma, emphasized that AI has evolved into a present reality, influencing nearly every sector, and that parliamentarians must guide its transformation to ensure it strengthens democratic governance and improves citizens’ lives.
The seminar aimed to provide a platform for parliamentarians to discuss the opportunities and challenges of AI in various sectors and to find ways to harness its potential for the benefit of the West African sub-region.
