Faith Leaders and Media Experts Call for Ethical AI Frameworks as Nigeria Faces Urgent AI Safety Challenges

Abuja, Nigeria — March 5, 2026

Over 40 journalists, media practitioners, and faith leaders from Christian and Islamic communities gathered in Abuja on Thursday for a specialized 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 knowledge and ethical guidance needed to report responsibly on emerging AI technologies.

The one-day training, held at All Saints Church (Anglican Communion), Wuse, Abuja, brought together participants from diverse faith backgrounds to discuss the intersection of AI, ethics, and journalism, and to examine strategies for responsible AI adoption in Nigeria.

Call for Ethical Engagement with AI

Delivering the opening address, Rt Rev’d Evans Onyemara, Ph.D., General Secretary of CCN, thanked participants and resource persons for honoring the invitation and committing to responsible AI journalism.

Bishop Onyemara emphasized that human beings occupy a unique place in God’s creation and are entrusted with stewardship over creation. He warned that emerging technologies such as AI must be deployed in ways that promote human welfare and the common good, rather than exposing society to harm.

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

He also highlighted the media’s crucial role in shaping public understanding, calling on journalists to ensure reporting promotes truth, accountability, and societal benefit.

Experts Highlight Ethical and Safety Concerns

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

AI Safety Researcher Godwin Faruna addressed “Lack of Moral Guardrails as an AI Risk in Nigeria.” He cautioned that rapid AI adoption without ethical frameworks could lead to algorithmic bias, misinformation, and regulatory gaps, while language bias in AI systems risks marginalizing African contexts.

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

Media’s Role in Responsible AI Reporting

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

Participants explored ways journalists can report responsibly on AI, highlighting societal impacts, avoiding misinformation, and explaining complex technological issues effectively.

Media consultant Miss Florence Joshua emphasized that as AI reshapes industries globally, journalists must develop the capacity to interpret, analyze, and communicate technological developments responsibly.

NRCAI Advocates Human-Centered AI

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

Organizers described the symposium as a key step in fostering multi-faith and multi-sector dialogue on AI, emphasizing collaboration among journalists, technologists, policymakers, and faith leaders to ensure technological progress aligns with ethical principles and social responsibility.

The training concluded with a unified call for stronger AI safety frameworks, ethical policies, and inclusive technological strategies, ensuring AI benefits all Nigerians safely and equitably.

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