Some experts have said that artificial intelligence in Nigeria must be designed to serve local needs, protect African values, and drive real socio-economic development.
They spoke at the InnovateAI 2026 Conference held in Lagos on Friday. The theme of the event was “Responsible AI Beyond Innovation.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Future Software Resources Ltd., Nkemdilim Begho, said responsible AI should go beyond copying foreign regulations and global standards.
She said Nigeria and Africa must first ask how AI truly serves their people and reflects their realities.
“When we think about AI in Nigeria or in a broader African context, we really need to start thinking about how it actually serves us,” she said.
Begho stressed that inclusion must be intentional, especially in language representation and model development.
She questioned how many African languages are supported by existing AI systems and whether Africans are building and training their own models.
She said policies must protect African values and ensure AI contributes to economic growth.
According to her, responsible AI should promote financial inclusion, agricultural development, healthcare, and education.
She added that strong leadership remains essential for effective AI governance.
Begho said leaders must understand bias, model risks, and accountability rather than leaving decisions solely to technical teams.
Dr Jonnie Penn, Associate Teaching Professor of Ethics at the University of Cambridge, said AI should be viewed as a socio-technical system, not just a technical tool.
He warned that responsible AI must not be reduced to legal compliance or reputation management.
“If you are just thinking about AI in its technical form, you are only halfway,” he said.
Penn urged organizations to clearly define where AI should not be used.
He advised organizations to see limits as necessary and constructive, stressing that some human and cultural values must remain beyond automation.
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of TVC Communications, Victoria Ajayi, highlighted what she described as a disturbing case of irresponsible AI use.
She cited an incident involving a foreign national who allegedly used spy-camera glasses to deceive young African women and circulate private recordings online.
Ajayi said such misuse shows how technology can be weaponized to exploit vulnerable people and erode trust.
She explained that responsible AI must, therefore, be rooted in accountability and designed to protect individuals and strengthen institutions.
According to her, innovation should build trust, not damage public confidence or undermine human dignity.
