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ECOWAS Congress said the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is being considered as a tool to increase the efficiency of local legislative operations.
Congressional chair Rt Hon Memounatou Ibrahima gave hints on this basic policy direction at the closing ceremony of the 2025 second Congressional Seminar in Port Harcourt Rivers on Wednesday, with the theme of “Utilizing Congressional Efficiency, Ethical Governance and Artificial Intelligence for Development in the ECOWAS Region.”
The three-day seminar, which ended Wednesday, focused on expert presentations, panel discussions and parliamentary discussions, robust discussions about the importance of technology to legislative functions, and regulatory frameworks that mitigate its risks.
Representative of fourth vice-chairmen Belay Tungkara and Hong Ibrahima, he pointed out that the AI revolution is irreversible and emphasized that it is quickly redefineing and transforming the future of West Africa’s economy, society and governance.
“In a short time, AI has become a powerful force in our world, moving beyond the realm of science fiction, driving many changes in all areas of life, and is also challenging our shared values and fundamental human rights.
“AI ensures greater informed deliberations, optimized legislation and increased council oversight when used appropriately by Congress.
“It provides a way to make our work more efficient, transparent, more transparent and more sensitive to citizen expectations. It’s up to us to embrace this tool, train our staff, and adopt regulations and procedures rules to accommodate this new technology,” the speaker said.
According to Ibrahima, the seminar presents the starting point for the collective and decisive approach to AI by the ECOWAS Congress.
During deliberations, many lawmakers acknowledged the need for technology in the current global evolution, but expressed concern about the threat it poses and urged a careful approach to its adoption to ensure it does not harm regions that are rarely characterized by infrastructure-related vulnerabilities.
But as regions tackle AI’s reality, they need to find ways to tame it, embrace the potential for AI transformation and navigate the delicate balance between maintaining the human-centered values that underpin democratic governance.
The seminar will be followed by an extraordinary 2025 session of the Sixth Congress in an oil-rich city on Thursday.
