Bennett Oghifo
The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem yesterday warned that the advent of Artificial Intelligence in online and digital market must not be at the expense of the citizens’ rights and wellbeing.
Ambrose-Medebem stated this at a conference and exhibition event organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) to commemorate 2024 World Consumer Rights Day on Friday, said a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs, LASCOPA, Toyin Oni.
“It is imperative that as we navigate through technological advancements in the way and manner we conduct businesses and carry out our business transactions, that we maintain a balanced approach that champions fairness, transparency, and responsibility,” the commissioner said.
While addressing producers and consumers at the event, the commissioner assured the participants that the state government would continue to create an environment where technology thrives, and consumers rights are protected.
She said the conference with the theme: “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers” advocates innovation and consumer rights while ensuring that the advancements in AI, and technology at large serve to enhance the lives of citizens, not complicate them.
Ambrose-Medebem reiterated that the administration was committed to ensuring that AI serves as a tool for societal good, enhancing consumer experiences while upholding the highest standards of fairness and ethics.
Also corroborating the need for responsible AI in business transactions, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Mr Afolabi Solebo, said organisations must prioritise ethical considerations in ensuring that it benefits the society as a whole.
According to him, consumers deserve to know how their data is being used and have the right to understand the decisions made by AI systems.
“The importance of AI cannot be overstated as it has revolutionised the way businesses engage with their clientele. Consumers are surrounded by AI-driven technologies, from personalised recommendations to automated decision-making processes.
“In the rapidly advancing landscape of technology, the integration of AI has become an integral part of our daily lives. Today, we will be addressing the importance of fair and responsible AI for all consumers,” Solebo stated.
Also the Group Executive Director of Dangote Group of Companies in charge of Commercial Operations, Fatima Aliko-Dangote, while giving a goodwill message at the event, said that every organisation must see consumers as kings and treat them as such.
She averred that the rights of consumers to choose from a variety of valuable, safe and non-hazardous products; right to information and education adequate for taking consumption decisions, and right to seek redress and be heard should not be undermined.
Aliko-Dangote, however, called for collective actions from government in the area of regulatory framework and other relevant stakeholders to address some challenges that come with the deployment of AI.
March 15 every year is the World Consumer Rights Day where various consumer interest groups organise programmes and events to highlight pressing issues being faced daily by consumers globally.
As part of the event, two different panel sessions were held where experts in consumer affairs explored different topics of interest as it affects consumers, producers and all relevant stakeholders in the value chain.
