A public relations expert and fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Saadu Salahu, has stressed the urgent need for the federal government, particularly lawmakers, to review Nigeria’s copyright law to prevent unpatriotic elements from misusing artificial intelligence (AI) in exacerbating sensitive security issues.
He commended both federal and state governments for their efforts at securing life and property across the country.
Salahu, a senior adviser and counsellor to the Kwara State governor, made the call in a lecture themed “Professionalism and Synergy in Public Relations Practice,” which he presented at the 2025 get-together dinner organised by the Kwara State chapter of the NIPR in Ilorin, the state capital.
The guest lecturer said evidence of social media abuse and misapplication of AI with negative consequences were the reasons some countries took legal steps to strike a balance between free speech, public good, and national security.
He cited Denmark, Australia, and a few European Union nations as examples of countries that had made legislation to check abuse of social media and AI.
Salahu urged the government to engage AI experts in combating insecurity by developing AI-powered solutions to further support government efforts to improve public safety.
He added that governments must curb the criminal use of technology, including AI and social media, regulate social media, and educate influencers on responsible use, stressing that security, being the responsibility of all, demanded patriotism from citizens.
“Misinformation, disinformation, and fake news constitute part of serious dangers to current insecurity in the country,” he emphasised.
The NIPR Fellow reminded professional public relations practitioners of the need to measure up to global standards set by the Institute.
“Expectedly, we are and must be seen as professional public relations practitioners in a management capacity for the good of our employer and the public or publics,” Salahu stressed.
He added that they needed in-depth knowledge and skills in cutting-edge technologies such as AI, social media monitoring, content management systems, and crisis-management software to remain reputable professionals.
Salahu used the forum to thank and commend the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, for allowing him and many of his colleagues to be part of his leadership since 2019.
“He has made us extremely proud by being the first governor to have appointed the greatest number of media practitioners into enviable positions in his administration.
“It is on record that the governor has been rightly rated by credible local and international organisations and experts as the best governor in transparency and accountability, good governance, education, health, socio-economic and infrastructural transformation, poverty alleviation, youth and women inclusion in governance, peace and security, urban renewal, and ease of doing business.
“Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq’s investment in digital literacy to empower students and youths in the state to fit into leadership positions in the digital economy is quite inspiring and commendable.
“Similarly, outcomes of the pace-setting but just-concluded summit on Artificial Intelligence in Kwara State consolidate Kwara’s leadership position in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.” He explained.
In her remarks, a ranking member of the National Council of the NIPR, Prof. Saudat AbdulBaki, highlighted the achievements of the Ike Neliaku-led Council in repositioning the NIPR as a global professional body.
AbdulBaki, who is the Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, urged members of the Kwara State chapter to sustain their participation in NIPR programmes and activities lined up for 2026.
PIAK