WorldStage– Parliamentarians of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool to enhance legislative efficiency, strengthen accountability, and advance democracy and development across the sub-region.
The call was made during the opening session of the Second Parliamentary Seminar at the 2025 Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance and Development in the ECOWAS Region.”
The seminar, which began on Monday, brought together regional lawmakers to explore innovative ways AI can accelerate growth in key sectors, while ensuring a digitally inclusive and empowered West Africa.
Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hajia Memounatou Ibrahima, described AI as a “global competitive tool” that lawmakers must leverage to create stronger regulatory frameworks, improve communication with citizens, and promote social and economic development.
Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate and First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Jubrin Barau, emphasized the need for legislators to critically examine the risks and ethical dimensions of AI while developing pathways to harness its benefits responsibly. “AI is reshaping governance, economies, and societies worldwide,” he noted. “For legislators, it presents opportunities to enhance efficiency, strengthen accountability, and foster sustainable development.”
In his goodwill address, Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, represented by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, urged parliamentarians to ensure that AI serves democratic governance without undermining it. He added that Rivers State, as Nigeria’s energy capital and emerging technology hub, provides valuable lessons on balancing innovation with traditional governance structures.
Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Dunoma, highlighted the far-reaching impact of AI across critical sectors such as education, health, commerce, and security. He stressed that the central challenge for West Africa is not whether AI will reshape society, but how leaders and policymakers can guide its adoption to strengthen democracy, foster regional integration, and improve citizens’ lives.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, expressed optimism that the session would produce pragmatic strategies for harnessing AI to advance good governance in the region.
