Bishop Onyemara Sounds Alarm: “Nigeria Must Control AI Before It Controls Us,” Calls for Ethical AI Development

Abuja, Nigeria — March 5, 2026

More than 40 journalists, media practitioners, and faith leaders from Christian and Islamic communities converged in Abuja on Thursday for a groundbreaking Journalism Training on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Religion. The symposium, organized by the Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence (NRCAI) in partnership with the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), and the Future of Life Institute, aimed to equip media professionals with the skills and ethical knowledge needed to report responsibly on AI technologies while exploring the intersection of faith, ethics, and technology.

The training, held at All Saints Church (Anglican Communion), Wuse, Abuja, provided a platform for participants from diverse religious backgrounds to engage in critical discussions on the societal impacts of AI and the moral responsibilities of journalists reporting on these emerging technologies.

In his opening address, Bishop Evans Onyemara, Ph.D., General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria, emphasized that humans occupy a unique position in God’s creation, made in His image, and entrusted with stewardship over creation. He warned that technologies like AI must be guided by ethical principles to ensure they enhance human wellbeing and serve the common good rather than expose society to harm.

“We believe that human beings should deploy technologies like artificial intelligence in ways that strengthen our collective existence, protect human dignity, and advance the interests of society. Nigeria has the capacity not only to regulate AI but also to actively shape systems that reflect our values and developmental priorities,” he said.

Bishop Onyemara further highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of AI, calling on journalists to report responsibly, promote truth, and foster accountability as Nigeria navigates the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies.

Experts Highlight Ethical and Safety Concerns

Mallam Yusuf Ahmad Bida, Administrative Secretary of JNI, presented a paper on “Ethical Position on Artificial Intelligence from the Islamic Perspective.” Bida highlighted that Islamic ethics emphasizes justice, accountability, and protection of human dignity, stressing that AI must serve humanity rather than compromise moral and societal values.

AI Safety Researcher Godwin Faruna delivered a presentation on “Lack of Moral Guardrails as an AI Risk in Nigeria.” Faruna warned that the rapid expansion of AI without ethical safeguards could expose society to algorithmic bias, misinformation, and weak regulatory oversight.

He also drew attention to language bias in AI systems, which often marginalizes African languages and contexts, and called for inclusive AI development frameworks that reflect Nigeria’s linguistic and cultural diversity.

“Nigeria urgently needs to prioritize AI safety, establish ethical frameworks, and invest in inclusive datasets to ensure technology serves the nation equitably and responsibly,” Faruna said.

Media’s Role in Responsible AI Reporting

The symposium was anchored by Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi, Director of CCN-Institute of Church and Society, Ibadan, who facilitated discussions and interactive sessions.

Participants engaged in dialogue on responsible AI reporting, learning how to avoid misinformation, highlight societal impacts, and interpret complex technological developments for public understanding.

Media consultant Miss Florence Joshua underscored the importance of capacity building for journalists. She noted that as AI continues to reshape industries and governance systems globally, journalists must develop the skills to analyze, interpret, and communicate technological innovations effectively to the public..

NRCAI Advocates Ethical, Human-Centered AI

The Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence (NRCAI) reiterated its commitment to promoting ethical and responsible AI use in Nigeria, emphasizing values such as justice, compassion, accountability, and human dignity.

Organizers described the symposium as a critical step toward strengthening multi-faith dialogue and media capacity on AI, calling for collaboration among journalists, technologists, policymakers, and faith communities to ensure AI development benefits society safely and inclusively.

The training concluded with renewed calls for Nigeria to adopt robust AI safety frameworks and ethical guidelines, ensuring technological progress aligns with national values, human welfare, and societal development priorities.

By:
The Rev. Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles
CCN Correspondent, Abuja.