Stakeholders Advocate AI Governance Framework
On Wednesday, stakeholders gathered to advocate for the development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance framework aimed at ensuring responsible deployment. This call to action was made during the 17th annual conference of the Information System Audit and Control Association (ISACA) held in Abuja.
The three-day conference focused on the theme: “AI and Digital Trust: A Global Perspective on Opportunities, Threats and Future Strategies.” Mr. Emmanuel Omoke, President of ISACA’s Abuja Chapter, emphasized that AI is now an integral part of our lives, stating, “AI has come to stay, you cannot run away from it. The question is, how can we turn it into opportunity?”
Omoke highlighted the necessity of addressing the potential risks associated with AI, including its capability to alter genetics, making a collaborative approach among stakeholders essential for its responsible use.
Institutional Efforts in AI Utilization
Mr. Tayo Koleosho, Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), discussed an electronic pricing program aimed at improving tax compliance while reducing audit burdens on businesses. This initiative seeks to harness and aggregate transaction data across the country, facilitating easier tax reporting for companies. He noted, “One of the major things is the ability to make sure that the data this intelligence are depending on are clean and accurate.”
Koleosho cautioned that if AI is fed inaccurate data, it can lead to “hallucinations”—false insights generated by the system. He stressed the importance of data privacy, as much of the information involved is personal and sensitive to the companies.
The Need for Governance Frameworks
Mr. Hanniel Jafaru, Executive Director of Ham Tech Career (HTC) Academy, pointed out the alarming statistic that only 17 out of 54 African countries have adopted national AI strategies, and none have established governance frameworks to regulate ethical AI use. He advocated for the need to define acceptable practices through an AI governance framework that can manage risks such as digital propaganda and deep fakes.
“Countries globally are talking about AI framework; they have moved from having a strategy to having a framework,” Jafaru stated, emphasizing that such frameworks are crucial for determining the outputs of AI.
Collaboration Against Cyber Threats
Mrs. Sushila Nair, CEO of Cybernetic LLC, called for enhanced collaboration among cybersecurity professionals to protect critical infrastructure from global cyber threats. She argued that technology, while a driver of business and economic growth, also exposes organizations to risks from cybercriminals and non-state actors.
Nair remarked, “Looking across the world, you will see that wars are no longer fought with bombs and guns; we are now using technology.” She underscored the importance of learning from past security breaches globally to safeguard infrastructure and ensure public safety.
In conclusion, the discussions at the conference underscore a pressing need for a cohesive approach to AI governance, focusing on ethical use, data integrity, and cybersecurity to harness AI’s potential while mitigating its risks.
