Religious leaders across Nigeria have stepped into the growing national debate on artificial intelligence, warning that without strong ethical safeguards and regulatory frameworks, the rapidly expanding technology could undermine human dignity, social stability and the country's cultural values.
The warning came during a symposium organised by the Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence (NRCAI), where Christian and Islamic scholars gathered with technology experts to examine the moral, social and governance implications of AI adoption in Nigeria.
Speakers at the forum stressed that while artificial intelligence offers enormous potential for development, innovation and economic growth, its deployment must be guided by ethical principles that protect human life, social harmony and national interests.
The general secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Bishop ( Dr.) Evans Onyemara, said the church recognises the transformative power of AI but insists that technology must remain a tool that serves humanity rather than one that dictates human existence.
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He noted that Christian teachings emphasise the sacred value of human life and the responsibility placed on humanity to steward creation responsibly.
According to him, the emergence of powerful AI systems should not blur the distinction between human agency and technological capability.
"Human beings are created in the image of God and have been given responsibility to maintain order in the universe," Onyemara said.
"Artificial intelligence should therefore be deployed in ways that enhance human existence and not put humanity in harm's way."
Onyemara warned that Nigeria must not blindly adopt emerging technologies developed abroad without careful evaluation of their long-term impact on society.
He argued that without clear laws and regulatory oversight, the country risks becoming a passive consumer of foreign technologies that may not align with its cultural values, social realities or developmental priorities.
"Nigerians can demand laws that regulate the use of artificial intelligence," he said.
"We can also co-create the kind of AI that meets our needs as a nation rather than allowing every foreign technology to dominate our space."
From the Islamic perspective, the Administrative Secretary of Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Mallam Yusuf Ahmad Bida, outlined ethical principles that should guide the development and use of artificial intelligence in Muslim communities and society at large.
He emphasised that AI applications must promote justice, sincerity and accountability, noting that technology should never become a tool for deception, manipulation or social harm.
Bida said ethical AI must reflect the core Islamic values of God-consciousness and responsibility, reminding users that technological actions still carry moral consequences.
"AI should be used in ways that promote justice and avoid actions that create mistrust or harm within the community,. Ultimately, every human action is accountable before God."
Bida also raised concerns that the rapid and largely unregulated spread of artificial intelligence tools could create new forms of misinformation, digital manipulation and social disruption if proper oversight is not established.
He, therefore, called on the federal government to urgently develop comprehensive regulatory mechanisms that will define acceptable AI applications across sectors such as education, governance, media and commerce.
Also, a technology policy expert , Godwin Faruna, who facilitated a training session at the symposium, stressed that Nigeria must develop AI governance models that reflect its unique cultural identity, languages and societal needs.
Faruna cautioned against importing technological frameworks designed for other societies without adapting them to Nigeria's realities.
According to him, allowing foreign-designed AI systems to dominate the country's digital ecosystem without safeguards could weaken national control over data, culture and public narratives.
"For us to create stability in our policy on AI, no AI model should be imposed on us without guardrails that follow our culture, values and language," he said.
He added that building a sustainable AI ecosystem in Nigeria will require collaboration between policymakers, local innovators, academics and civil society groups.
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Participants at the symposium also highlighted the role young Nigerians must play in ensuring responsible use of emerging technologies.
Meanwhile, the director, Institute of Church and Society, Ibadan, Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi, urged youths, who represent the largest group of AI and social media users in the country, to use digital tools constructively rather than for activities that could harm society or spread misinformation.
He emphasised that ethical responsibility must accompany technological advancement, especially in a digital age where information can influence public perception and social cohesion at unprecedented speed.
At the end of the symposium, participants agreed that meaningful collaboration between religious institutions, policymakers, researchers and technology developers will be crucial in shaping a responsible AI future for Nigeria.
They warned that the decisions made today about how artificial intelligence is regulated and deployed will ultimately determine whether the technology becomes a force for national progress or a source of new societal risks.
