ECOWAS Parliament Members say leveraging AI will enhance legislative drafting, broaden citizen engagement in policy making, and promote democracy and development in the West African region.
This revelation was made in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, during the inaugural session and the Second Parliamentary Seminar of the ECOWAS Parliament at its 2025 Extraordinary Session, themed:
“Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance and Development in the ECOWAS Region.”
The Seminar, charged lawmakers to commit to ensuring that deliberations deepens growth in critical sectors of the region using AI for a digitally inclusive and empowered region.
In her inaugural address, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hajia Memounatou Ibrahima, elucidated that AI is a concrete reality presenting remarkable potential to aid in fostering communication between parliamentarians and the populace of West Africa, thereby advancing social and economic development.
“AI has become a “global competitive tool and legislators within the region must harness to improve democracy by providing a better regulatory framework.”
The Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Jubrin Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, tasked the legislators to strategise and fish out the risks associated with artificial intelligence and propose a concrete pathway to harness AI responsibly and ethically for the benefit of the people.
“AI is reshaping governance, economies and societies worldwide. For us legislators entrusted with the sacred duty of representation, lawmaking and oversight, AI presents opportunities to enhance efficiency, strengthen accountability and promote development.”
In a welcome address, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, charged the legislators to ensure discussions to present possible legislations on how artificial intelligence can serve democratic governance rather than supplanting it.
Rivers, as Nigeria’s energy capital and a thriving technology hub offers unique insights into this challenge. Harnessing AI for parliamentary efficiency should be domesticated to accommodate our traditional governance structures with emerging ecosystems.”
The Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Dunoma, stressed that AI has evolved from a distant possibility to a present reality, creating an impact on almost every sector, from education, health, and security to commerce, communication, and governance.
“For West Africa, the challenge is not whether AI will transform our societies, but how we as leaders, policymakers, and parliamentarians will guide that transformation to ensure it strengthens democratic governance, deepens integration, and improves the lives of our citizens”.
The Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martins Amaewhule, in his goodwill message, stressed the importance of AI even as he expressed optimism that the session will provide a “pragmatic approach towards harnessing the opportunities AI provides.”
The legislator pledged to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the ethical, security, and socio-economic implications of these technologies, particularly in a region still grappling with issues of the digital divide, unemployment, and cyber threats.