Experts and stakeholders at the 6th Kano Social Influencers Summit (KANSIS 2025) have called for inclusive, ethical, and accountable governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria.
Organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and held at Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University (KHAIRUN) from October 22–23, the summit themed “Toward a More Inclusive Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” drew over 1,200 participants from across Nigeria and beyond — including academics, policymakers, media professionals, tech innovators, and persons with disabilities.
Opening the summit, Professor Amina Kaidal, Chairperson of CITAD’s Governing Board, said KANSIS has become a platform for dialogue and innovation since 2019. Representing Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Commissioner Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya pledged government support for ethical AI deployment.
Keynote speakers Dr. Vincent Olatunji of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and Bala Mohammed of Bayero University, Kano, emphasized the need for data privacy, responsible innovation, and combating disinformation and deepfakes.
Key takeaways
Africa contributes less than 5% of global AI research due to funding and infrastructure gaps.
Nigeria’s AI growth faces challenges including poor ICT infrastructure and weak regulation.
Misuse of AI through deepfakes and disinformation threatens democracy.
AI assistive tools benefit Persons with Disabilities but remain costly.
Recommendations
Participants urged the creation of a multi-stakeholder platform to review Nigeria’s AI policies and called for:
Stronger data protection laws and ethical standards.
Increased public investment in ICT, research, and digital literacy.
Subsidies for AI assistive technologies to enhance accessibility.
The summit reaffirmed that AI must serve humanity through ethics, inclusivity, and accountability to build a just and democratic digital future.
Communiqué signed by Prof. Amina Kaidal, Prof. Tunde Akanni, Nmezi Oguadinma, and Isah Garba.
