By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners (NAAIP) has urged federal, state and local governments to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into governance and public service delivery.
NAAIP National President, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, made the call at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
The theme of the 2026 AI Awareness Day is “Harnessing Ethical Artificial Intelligence for National Transformation, Inclusive Growth and Economic Resilience.”
The event was hosted by the NAAIP Vice President, North Central, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura of Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Ogunbodede said the awareness day, inaugurated on Feb. 17, 2025, promotes excellence in AI practice, ethical standards in design and deployment, and innovation for sustainable development.
“The vision of NAAIP is to move Njgeria from being a consumer of AI technologies to becoming a creator of ethical, globally competitive and impactful AI solutions.
“We call on all arms and level of government (Federal, State and Local) to take decisive steps to integrate AI into governance and public service delivery.
“These step include, deploying AI system to efficiency, transparency and accountability in public administration, using data-driven Intelligence to enhance planning, budgeting and policy implementation,” he said.
According to him, other steps are strengthening national security through AI-enabled surveillance, intelligence analysis and threat detection systems, leveraging AI for smart infrastructure, digital identity systems and e-governance platforms.
Ogunbodede emphasised the need for strong regulatory and ethical frameworks to ensure responsible technology use and safeguard public trust.
He called on stakeholders to deliberately shape Nigeria’s AI future through shared responsibility, coordinated action and visionary leadership.
The NAAIP president urged private sector organisations to recognise AI as a driver of productivity, competitiveness and economic expansion.
He also tasked academic institutions with leading research, innovation and capacity development in AI, while encouraging development partners to support an inclusive and ethical ecosystem.
Ogunbodede urged youths to embrace AI as a tool for creativity, enterprise and nation-building.
He noted that the association’s call aligns with Nigeria’s emerging national policy framework on AI and digital transformation.
Ogunbodede described the media as a bridge between the association and the public, urging support for its symposium series.
The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, said the day was celebrated to create awareness and align Nigeria with global AI trends.
Uduma was represented at the event by Prof. Monioluwa Olaniyi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Technology, Innovation and Research, NOUN.
Uduma, a NAAIP member, urged the media to project the association’s activities to the international community.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that executive members of the association attended the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
