President Bola Tinubu has called for the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and economic productivity at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Tinubu, who is represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA, said artificial……
President Bola Tinubu has called for the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and economic productivity at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Tinubu, who is represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA, said artificial intelligence could either be deployed for destructive purposes or harnessed to improve the lives of people around the world. The Federal Government had earlier confirmed that he was mandated by Tinubu to represent him and deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the gathering.
Speaking during his address on Thursday night, the Vice President said the choice before the global community was how to direct the rapidly developing technology towards human advancement.
“We can deploy artificial intelligence and use it to wage war, or use it to transform healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, and economic productivity,” Shettima said.
He also linked concerns surrounding artificial intelligence to growing distrust among people and nations, saying greater confidence and cooperation were necessary to maximise the benefits of the technology.
“Much of the anxiety surrounding AI reflects the distrust we have allowed to grow amongst us,” he said.
Shettima said Nigeria was already investing in digital infrastructure and innovation as part of efforts to position the country to benefit from emerging technologies.
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“Nigeria is investing in Digital Public Infrastructure, Broadband Connectivity, innovation systems, research institutions and technology entrepreneurship,” he said.
The Vice President invited the international community to collaborate with Nigeria’s young people in ensuring that AI is deployed for productive and peaceful purposes.
“We invite the world to work with our inventive, resourceful and enterprising young people to direct AI towards humanity’s advancement rather than destruction,” he said.
Shettima’s address comes amid growing international debate over the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence. The 81st UN General Assembly is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all,” with AI governance among the wider issues receiving attention at the gathering.
