The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged legal practitioners to exercise caution in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the country’s legal framework in order to preserve its sanctity and cultural values.
Speaking at the 16th Annual General Conference of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) held in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday, Justice Kekere-Ekun, who was represented by the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, emphasized the need for critical engagement with AI to prevent disruption of Nigeria’s traditional legal and moral foundations.
SolaceBase reports that the conference, themed “Artificial Intelligence, Law and Religion in Nigeria,” brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on the evolving role of AI in legal systems.
Justice Kekere-Ekun explained that artificial intelligence, which replicates human intelligence in machines to solve problems, has the potential to enhance efficiency in legal processes.
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However, she cautioned that the Nigerian legal system must adapt carefully to this technological shift to avoid compromising long-standing legal and ethical standards.
In a goodwill message, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim, encouraged Muslim lawyers to embrace AI to enhance research and legal practice.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen the judiciary in the state.
Delivering the keynote address, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, called on the National Assembly to enact a National Artificial Intelligence Development and Deployment Act.
According to him, such legislation would provide a framework for addressing the potential misuse of AI, particularly in relation to criminal activity.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining Islamic ethical values in the application of AI.
Also speaking at the event, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, represented by Professor Yusuf Ali (SAN), urged lawyers to leverage artificial intelligence in promoting the welfare of humanity and advancing religious values.
In his welcome address, the National President of MULAN, Barr. Saidu Muhammed Tundun-Wada, highlighted that AI holds immense potential to improve access to justice and enhance legal service delivery.
He called on practitioners to adopt AI in ways that align with the ethical principles guiding both their profession and religion.
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