IT expert calls for urgent AI regulation in Nigeria

A prominent IT expert, Ikechukwu Nnamani, has called on the Nigerian government to proactively regulate artificial intelligence (AI). Nnamani, a former president of the Association of Telecommunications Companies in Nigeria (ATCON), emphasized the importance of AI regulation for the country’s digital economy.

In an interview, Nnamani warned about the ethical implications of unregulated AI development.

He noted that while many people are focused on the benefits of AI, few are considering the potential harms and ethical concerns.

He highlighted the need for governments to establish guidelines to prevent AI misuse and ensure its responsible application.

Nnamani also addressed the issue of job displacement by AI.

He argued that AI can be a tool for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, rather than a threat to employment. He emphasized the importance of retraining and upskilling the workforce to leverage AI for competitive advantage.

Regarding the country’s data center infrastructure, Nnamani highlighted the significant gap between current capacity and the growing demands of the digital economy.

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He called for increased investment in data centers to support AI development and other digital initiatives.

Nnamani identified power and foreign exchange as major challenges facing data center operations in Nigeria.

He urged the government to address these issues to create a more conducive environment for the industry.

In conclusion, Nnamani’s call for AI regulation and investment in data centers underscores the importance of a proactive approach to harnessing the benefits of the digital age while mitigating its risks.