ECOWAS parliamentarians urged to use AI to promote democracy

Members of the ECOWAS Parliament have been called upon to explore the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost parliamentary efficiency, strengthen accountability, promote democracy and development in the West African sub-region. Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, made the call at the opening session of the Second Parliamentary seminar of the ECOWAS […]

Members of the ECOWAS Parliament have been called upon to explore the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost parliamentary efficiency, strengthen accountability, promote democracy and development in the West African sub-region.

Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, made the call at the opening session of the Second Parliamentary seminar of the ECOWAS Parliament at its 2025 Extraordinary Session with the theme, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance and Development in the ECOWAS Region.”

In her opening remarks at the Seminar, which commenced in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, on Monday, she said that AI is a “global competitive tool and legislators within the region must look into how to utilise AI to improve democracy by providing a better regulatory framework.”

She noted that AI is a tangible reality that offers better potential, which can help facilitate communication between parliamentarians and the people of West Africa to enhance social and economic growth.

Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Jubrin Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, in his address, tasked the legislators to deepen their understanding and interrogate the risks associated with Artificial Intelligence and propose a concrete pathway to harness AI responsibly and ethically for the benefit of the people.

Barau, who is leading the Nigerian Delegation to the regional parliament, said, “AI is reshaping governance, economies and societies worldwide. For us legislators entrusted with the sacred duty of representation, lawmaking and oversight, AI presents opportunities to enhance efficiency, strengthen accountability and promote development.”

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, welcomed the parliamentarians and urged them to brainstorm in a bid to present possible legislation on how Artificial Intelligence can serve democratic governance rather than supplanting it.