Lawmakers within the ECOWAS region have been urged to utilize Artificial intelligence to strengthen accountability and promote development in the region.
This was the position of the parliamentarians who converged on Port Harcourt for the 2025 Extra Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament with the theme, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance and Development in the ECOWAS Region”.
The Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima was emphatic that as a global competitive tool, legislators in the region must look into how they can utilize AI to improve democracy by providing better regulatory framework.
The First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Leader of Nigerian Delegation, Senator Barau Jibrin while noting that the theme for the Parliamentarians seminar was apt, called on the legislators to deepen their understanding and interrogate the risks associated with Artificial intelligence.
“AI is reshaping governance, economies, and societies worldwide. For us, legislators entrusted with the sacred duty of representation, lawmaking, and oversight, AI presents opportunities to enhance efficiency, strengthen accountability, and promote development,”
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara who was represented by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu welcomed the parliamentarian and urged them to brainstorm on presenting possible legislations on how Artificial intelligence could amplify human wisdom instead of replacing it.
“Rivers, as Nigeria’s energy capital and a thriving technology hub, offers unique insights into this challenge. Harnessing AI for parliamentary efficiency should be domesticated to accommodate our traditional governance structures alongside emerging ecosystems,”
The Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martins Amaewhule in his goodwill message , expressed optimism that the session would provide a pragmatic approach towards harnessing the opportunities AI provides.
“We believe that the legislature remains the foundation of our democracy. The legislature is key to any democracy anywhere in the world. For us in this country, we cannot overemphasize its importance.”
The Parliamentary session will last for one week , will feature seminar, consideration and adoption of Committee report as well as committee meeting.
