Nigeria Embraces Ethical AI: Religious coalition seeks to ensure positive impact and development

Port Harcourt, Rivers State –

In a significant step towards integrating artificial intelligence responsibly into Nigerian society, a landmark "South-South Journalism Workshop Training on AI and Religion" held in Port Harcourt on the 26th of March 2026.

The training which was organized by the Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence, brought together religious leaders and journalists to deliberate on the critical intersection of AI, ethics, and faith, to ensure responsible usage. The workshop underscored the urgent need for ethical standards in AI policies across Nigeria, emphasizing that this powerful technology must remain a tool under human control, serving innovation without overriding core human values.

Reverend Kolade Fadahunsi, Director of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Institute of Church & Society, Ibadan, opened the workshop by stressing the imperative of ethical reflection in AI's development and deployment within the nation, creating a divide where Ai could be used as a tool of division and negative indoctrination to the youths and growing generation.

Echoing this sentiment from an Islamic perspective, Imam Yusuf Suleiman Njoku, Chief Imam of Imo State, articulated that while knowledge is a form of worship, AI is only acceptable when it aligns with moral teachings and established ethical standards. He clarified that ethics, defined as the ability to discern right from wrong, forms the bedrock of laws that must continually evolve.

A central theme throughout the discussions was the indispensable role of religious wisdom in guiding AI development. Participants warned that without the active involvement of religious leaders, unchecked AI advancements could significantly erode human values and lead to undesirable societal outcomes.

The Islamic stance, as presented, firmly supports AI's permissibility, provided it champions morality and ethical accountability.

Why Nigeria Needs Robust AI Safety Standards Now?

The workshop highlighted several critical areas demanding immediate attention:

• Healthcare AI: The need for strict regulation of medical AI systems was emphasized to prevent the dissemination of harmful or inaccurate advice, which could have dire consequences for public health.

• Education AI: Concerns were raised regarding AI tools in education, particularly their potential failure to filter inappropriate or misleading content, posing substantial risks to learners.

The gathering fostered a vital dialogue among religious and journalistic communities across the South-South region. A key agenda item included an overview of Nigeria's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025), specifically its Pillar 4.0, which focuses on communication and religion. This national strategy aims to guide AI adoption for socio-economic development and includes plans for an AI ethics assessment framework to evaluate risks proactively before deployment.

Key Discussions and Insights: Moderated by Elvira Jordan, a Q&A session addressed prevalent concerns:

1. AI's Role Relative to Religion: It was resoundingly affirmed that AI cannot replace religion. Religion is fundamentally rooted in spiritual belief, moral guidance, and human experience—dimensions AI cannot replicate. Instead, AI can only support, not substitute, religious values.

2. Combating Fears of AI: Solutions proposed included comprehensive public education and awareness campaigns about AI's capabilities and limitations, the establishment of strong ethical guidelines and regulations, and the active involvement of religious and community leaders in AI governance.

3. Addressing Video Deepfakes: Participants acknowledged the serious risks posed by deepfakes, including misinformation and manipulation. Strategies to counter this threat involve implementing robust legal frameworks to penalize misuse, developing advanced technology for detection and verification, and enhancing public awareness to identify false content.

4. Balancing Technology with Cultural Values: To ensure AI systems reflect local cultural and religious values, the workshop advocated for continuous dialogue between technologists, policymakers, and religious leaders, alongside regular ethical reviews of AI systems.

In conclusion, the workshop served as a crucial platform, reinforcing the message that while AI presents immense opportunities for Nigeria, its development must be anchored in strong ethical standards, cultural awareness, and religious insight to ensure it serves society responsibly and beneficently.