Kano: Experts, policymakers seek inclusive AI governance at CITAD summit
Stakeholders have called for a more inclusive and ethical approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance in Nigeria, emphasizing data protection, digital literacy, and accountability in AI deployment.
This was the key message from the 6th Kano Social Influencers Summit (KANSIS25), organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), held from October 22 to 23, 2025, at Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University (KHAIRUN), Kano.
With the theme “Toward a More Inclusive Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” the summit brought together over 1,200 participants—including academics, ICT experts, policymakers, civil society actors, media practitioners, and social influencers—from across Nigeria and beyond.
This was disclosed in a communique jointly signed by Professor Amina Kaidal of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Tunde Akanni of Lagos State University, Chief Nmezi Oguadinma of NSL Consulting Lagos, and Isah Garba, Senior Programs Officer at CITAD.
SolaceBase reports that the event also saw active participation from persons with disabilities (PWDs), highlighting the inclusivity the summit champions.
Over two days, participants engaged in five plenary sessions, 14 breakout panels, and 31 scholarly presentations, discussing topics such as data privacy, disinformation, deepfakes, AI ethics, and accountability in AI governance.
Declaring the summit open, Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, commended CITAD for sustaining the annual dialogue platform.
He pledged the state government’s commitment to supporting digital innovation and promoting ethical AI use, describing technology as a “powerful tool for transparent and accountable governance.”
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In her opening remarks, Professor Amina Kaidal, Chairperson of CITAD’s Governing Board, said the summit had, since its inception in 2019, become “a hub for digital dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.”
She emphasized that AI must be governed with fairness and inclusivity to ensure it benefits all members of society.
His Royal Majesty, Chief (Engr.) C.O. Iromantu, Chair of CITAD’s Board of Trustees, described the summit’s theme as timely, urging participants to explore AI’s potential in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), spoke on “Striking a Balance Between Data Needs for AI Training and Privacy Protection.”
He cautioned that while AI thrives on data, “unethical data use and weak regulation can undermine citizens’ trust and national security.”
Similarly, Malam Bala Mohammed of Bayero University, Kano, who presented on “Disinformation, Deepfake and AI: Their Implications for Media and Public,” warned that AI-powered misinformation “poses grave threats to democracy and social cohesion.”
In their deliberations, participants observed that while AI is transforming global development, Africa’s contribution remains minimal—accounting for only about 5% of global AI research. They cited poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and limited gender inclusion as key barriers.
They also noted that AI-powered assistive technologies are improving accessibility for persons with disabilities, but high costs remain a major limitation.
Participants called for increased public investment in research, innovation, and digital literacy to fully harness AI’s potential for inclusive growth.
At the end of the summit, participants made several recommendations, including the establishment of a multi-stakeholder platform, coordinated by CITAD, to engage government agencies in revising Nigeria’s AI policies and legal frameworks.
They also urged the government to invest more in ICT infrastructure, human capital, and AI research, as well as to enact stronger data protection laws to prevent unauthorized data mining and trading.
Other resolutions called for promoting AI awareness and ethics, subsidizing assistive technologies for PWDs, and ensuring that AI deployment remains transparent and accountable.
Participants commended CITAD for sustaining KANSIS as a platform for dialogue and innovation. “AI must serve humanity—anchored on ethics, inclusivity, and accountability—to build a just and democratic digital future for Nigeria,” the communique stated.
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