Tech experts are optimistic about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to address Nigeria's corruption challenge.
AI researcher Ejovwoke Enakirerhi of RealSearch [and] Partners Inc. highlighted AI's capability to streamline governance and curb corruption.
However, he emphasized the need for stringent ethical guidelines, transparent deployment practices, and robust legal frameworks to harness AI's transformative potential while mitigating risks.
According to a 2023 World Bank report, corruption costs Nigeria about $39 billion annually. Nigeria ranks 147th globally in Transparency International's 2023 Corruption Perception Index, underscoring the pervasive nature of corruption across the country.
While AI can optimize processes like budget allocation, Enakirerhi warned about the "black box" nature of AI decision-making, which could obscure transparency and accountability.
"The usefulness of AI as a tool depends on how it is applied. It is neither a magical power nor similar to voodoo. Should Nigeria decide to adopt AI on a grand scale, proceeding without proper safeguards and security measures could be perilous," Enakirerhi remarked.
Several countries have started using AI to fight corruption. Brazil has effectively utilized AI to combat corruption through the AI system called Alice, developed by the country's office of the comptroller general.
In 2018, South Korea initiated an AI-based Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission that scrutinizes government transactions and public officials to detect patterns suggestive of corruption.
Nevertheless, Enakirerhi has expressed concerns regarding the deployment of AI in Nigeria, pointing out issues like the lack of internet access for a large part of the population and a political climate susceptible to misuse.
He warned that in the absence of adequate safeguards, AI systems might exacerbate corruption due to non-transparent decision-making and susceptibility to tampering.
Dr. Roselyn Isimeto, a data scientist at the University of Lagos, suggested a three-pronged strategy to fight corruption: blockchain technology, process automation, and AI-powered data analysis.
This multifaceted strategy would minimize human intervention, secure data, and detect anomalies, ultimately reducing corruption in various sectors.
As Nigeria considers the potential of AI in combating corruption, it is crucial to implement stringent ethical guidelines, transparent deployment practices, and robust legal frameworks to harness AI's transformative potential while mitigating risks.
