The ECOWAS Parliament has announced plans to adopt Artificial Intelligence, AI, as a tool to enhance efficiency in its legislative functions.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Second Parliamentary Seminar in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, themed; “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance and Development in the ECOWAS Region.”
Ibrahima, represented by the Fourth Deputy Speaker, Billay Tunkara, said the AI revolution was irreversible, noting that it is already reshaping West Africa’s economies, societies, and governance.
She said; “Within a short time, AI has moved beyond the realm of science fiction to become a powerful force in our world driving many changes in all areas of life. At the same time it is challenging our shared values and fundamental human rights. AI when properly harnessed by parliament will ensure informed deliberation, optimized legislation and enhanced parliamentary oversight. It provides us with the means to make our work more efficient, more transparent and more responsive to citizens’ expectations. It is up to us all to embrace this tool, train our staff and adopt our regulations and rules of procedures to accommodate this new technology.”
She explained that the seminar marked the beginning of a collective and decisive approach to AI by the ECOWAS Parliament, expressing optimism that its recommendations would translate into concrete and ambitious action plans.
Lawmakers at the seminar acknowledged the necessity of adopting AI in line with global trends but raised concerns about the threats it could pose to a region still grappling with weak infrastructure.
They called for a cautious approach to ensure that the technology does not undermine the region’s stability and democratic values.
The Parliament noted that as West Africa embraces AI, it must strike a balance between harnessing its transformative potential and safeguarding human-centred governance.
The three-day seminar, which featured expert presentations, panel discussions and debates, will be followed by the 2025 Second Extraordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature in Port Harcourt.
PIAK