By Atoyebi Nike
Members of the ECOWAS Parliament have identified artificial intelligence (AI) as a critical tool to enhance legislative drafting, expand citizen participation in policymaking, and reinforce democracy across the West African region.
The position was advanced in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the Parliament’s 2025 Extraordinary Session, which featured the inaugural sitting and the Second Parliamentary Seminar under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance and Development in the ECOWAS Region.”
In her opening address, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hajia Memounatou Ibrahima, described AI as a “global competitive tool” with the potential to bridge the gap between parliamentarians and the public. She urged lawmakers to leverage technology to improve democracy by creating a stronger regulatory framework.
Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, Jubrin Barau, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, underscored the need to balance AI’s opportunities with its risks. “AI is reshaping governance, economies and societies worldwide,” he said. “For us legislators entrusted with the sacred duty of representation, lawmaking, and oversight, AI presents opportunities to enhance efficiency, strengthen accountability, and promote development.”
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, urged lawmakers to ensure AI complements democratic governance. “Harnessing AI for parliamentary efficiency should be domesticated to accommodate our traditional governance structures with emerging ecosystems,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Ahmed Dunoma, stressed that AI’s influence is no longer speculative but tangible, affecting sectors from education and health to commerce and security. “For West Africa, the challenge is not whether AI will transform our societies, but how leaders will guide that transformation to ensure it strengthens democratic governance and improves the lives of our citizens,” he said.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, added a note of caution, stressing the importance of tackling ethical, security, and socio-economic challenges arising from AI. He maintained that the session must “provide a pragmatic approach towards harnessing the opportunities AI provides,” particularly in a region facing digital inequality, unemployment, and cyber threats.
