Engage experts in AI policy development, association tells FG

The Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Lagos State Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to involve experts in developing the National Artificial Intelligence Policy.

ISACA Lagos Chapter President, Tokunbo Taiwo, made this call on the heels of the recently concluded 2024 Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Conference, themed “Transformative Role of AI in the Future of IT GRC.”

A statement made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday noted that the event, organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, underscored the importance of experts’ input in shaping AI policies to ensure robust and effective governance.

While acknowledging the FG’s efforts in AI research, Taiwo stressed the increasing need for professional expertise in the policy-making process.

He said, “The government is doing quite a lot and that’s been for some years now. We have a draft – that is the National Policy on AI, there is a centre for artificial intelligence research and I know that the Honourable Minister is really working to ensure that it gets on the mainstream.

“However, it is important to involve stakeholders, that is professionals like us in that thought process so that whatever is coming up is one that will be beneficial to us all.”

The statement quoted the Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue to the Governor of Lagos State, Abdul-Kabir Ogungbo, to have remarked that the Sanwo-Olu-led administration is embracing AI as a powerful tool to improve governance.

“In Lagos, we are embracing AI as a powerful tool to improve governance. Artificial Intelligence is positioned to play a significant role in enhancing revenue assurance, Governance, Risk Management, and Control (GRC) processes across various industries, especially in the area of revenue assurance.

“By integrating AI Revenue Assurance and GRC will boost efficiency, risk management, compliance, and growth. It will streamline tax collection, improve services, and reduce errors, ensuring better resource management. AI will drive smarter, more accountable government reform. In Lagos, we are not waiting for the future of governance—we are creating it”, Ogungbo said.