Don’t Embrace AI Blindly, ECOWAS Lawmakers Tell Member States
The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has cautioned African nations against the hasty adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in parliamentary activities, stressing the need for a cautious and structured approach.
The call was made yesterday at the Second 2025 ECOWAS Parliamentary Seminar/Extraordinary Session held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Experts and lawmakers agreed that while AI offers enormous potential, its integration must be guided by ethical frameworks to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
During plenary discussions, lawmakers including Guy Marius Sagna (Francophone) and Laadi Ayamba (Anglophone) admitted that most legislators lack sufficient knowledge of emerging technologies, emphasizing the need for gradual sensitization campaigns. They warned that the premature adoption of AI could bring more harm than good, particularly in workplaces and society at large.
Ayamba, raising concerns over the social effects of digital dependence, said:
“Our children are already losing vital social bonds due to excessive phone usage, and now we are rushing into AI. We should not embrace it blindly without considering its long-term impact on our culture, our thinking, and future generations. AI is a good idea, but let us hasten slowly.”
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Other lawmakers stressed that parliamentarians, being elected to protect their constituents, must avoid legislating in ways that may endanger the public. They called for extensive advocacy campaigns, even in rural areas, before opening up AI for widespread use. They further argued that Africa’s governance challenges, including corruption and weak institutions, make the continent ill-prepared for AI adoption.
On the expert side, Prof. Uche Mbanaso, in a presentation titled “AI Development in the Security Sector,” highlighted the transformative role of AI in regional peace and security but warned of potential downsides such as over-reliance, reduced critical thinking, and privacy risks. He urged for a balanced and ethical approach to adoption.
Similarly, Christian Odo, presenting on “AI for Parliamentary Efficiency,” argued that AI could streamline law-making and enhance transparency by processing legislative texts, budget reports, and petitions more efficiently. However, he acknowledged risks such as unemployment but maintained that, if properly guided, AI could reduce burdensome tasks and improve governance.
The seminar concluded with calls for a unified framework across ECOWAS to regulate AI deployment responsibly, ensuring it aligns with democratic values, safeguards citizens’ rights, and strengthens—not undermines—societal structures.
By PRNigeria
