Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for responsible use of artificial intelligence, saying the technology could either be deployed for warfare or used to transform key sectors of the economy.
Shettima, who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, said Nigeria was investing in digital infrastructure, research and innovation to ensure AI contributes to human development.
“We can deploy artificial intelligence to wage war or use it to transform healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, and economic productivity.”
Shettima said concerns about AI should not prevent countries from embracing its potential for development, stressing the need to ensure technology serves constructive purposes.
“Excellencies, we refuse to surrender our technological future to paranoia.”
He insisted that the impact of any invention depends on how it is used and the purpose behind its deployment. “An invention can be destructive or beneficial depending on the purpose it serves and the judgement of those who use it.”
Shettima illustrated the point by comparing the use of a knife for harm with its use to save lives.
“A knife can take life in the hands of an assailant and can save one in the hands of a sojourner.”
He argued that much of the concern around artificial intelligence was linked to growing distrust among countries and societies.
“Much of the anxiety surrounding AI reflects the distrust we have allowed to grow amongst us.”
The vice president said Nigeria was building the infrastructure needed to support digital innovation and the wider adoption of technology.
“Nigeria is investing in digital public infrastructure, broadband connectivity, innovation systems, research institutions, and technology entrepreneurship.”
He invited international partners to work with young Nigerians to develop AI applications that advance human welfare rather than contribute to destruction. “We invite the world to work with our inventive, resourceful, and enterprising young people to direct AI towards humanity’s advancement rather than its destruction.”
Shettima’s remarks formed part of Nigeria’s wider call for international cooperation on technology, development, climate action, security and economic growth, linking Nigeria’s technological ambitions to efforts to strengthen economic productivity and create opportunities for its young population. “We can deploy artificial intelligence to wage war or use it to transform healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, and economic productivity.”
He also called for stronger international cooperation and responsible approaches to emerging technologies, as countries seek to balance innovation with global security concerns, saying that Nigeria was ready to work with other countries to ensure technological progress contributes to development and improves lives. “We invite the world to work with our inventive, resourceful, and enterprising young people to direct AI towards humanity’s advancement rather than its destruction.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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