Abbas Vows to Sponsor Bill to Regulate Artificial Intelligence, Other Emerging Technologies

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has revealed that he would sponsor  a bill to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ensure better conditions for the development and use of this innovative technology in the coming weeks.

The Speaker made this known in Abuja, yesterday, at the 2022/2023 Convocation Ceremony of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies-University of Benin (NILDS-UNIBEN).

Abbas, in a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, said this would be the first such effort in Africa and one of only a few undertaken by parliaments worldwide

He noted that though new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and robotics have immense benefits, there was a need to check their misuse and abuse.

The Speaker stressed  that technological and scientific innovations such as in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) were presenting opportunities hitherto thought impossible.

He added that AI could create many benefits such as better healthcare, safer and cleaner transport, more efficient manufacturing, and cheaper and more sustainable energy.

The Speaker was of the opinion that integrating AI into education presents a transformative shift in how teaching and learning are conducted.

He stated: “Despite the opportunities of AI, there are risks involved. Datasets and algorithms can reflect or reinforce gender, racial or ideological biases. More critically, AI can deepen inequalities by automating routine tasks and displacing jobs.

“There is also likely to be a rise in identity theft and fraud, as evidenced by the use of AI to create highly realistic deep fakes. These are intended to misinform, trick and confuse people. Attackers use these maliciously crafted videos, photos and audio to create societal unrest, carry out fraud and damage the reputations of individuals and brands.

“Accordingly and in recognition of the opportunities and threats posed by AI, the 10th House of Representatives will engage stakeholders and experts on this and related issues to leverage their potential and address issues of privacy, accountability, ethics, security and intellectual property. We will work with the Executive to ensure the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energy into the curriculum.

“Therefore, in the coming weeks, I will introduce a bill to regulate Artificial Intelligence and ensure better conditions for the development and use of this innovative technology in Nigeria. This will be the first such effort in Africa and one of only a few undertaken by parliaments worldwide.”

The Speaker also decried the challenges facing the education sector in Nigeria, including low enrolment, especially in rural areas.

According to him, Despite government efforts and huge investment through Universal Basic Education (UBEC), the challenge remains substantial. Out of 258 million out-of-school children worldwide, an estimated 62 million are in Sub-Saharan Africa.