NHRC Calls For Urgent Legal Reforms To Address AI-Related Human Rights Challenges

NHRC calls for urgent legal reforms to address AI-Related human rights challenges. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for an urgent review of existing laws to tackle emerging human rights concerns arising from the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria.

Speaking at a workshop on AI governance and human rights, NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, warned that without robust ethical frameworks, AI could widen inequalities, introduce algorithmic bias, invade privacy, and threaten human rights.

AI as a Double-Edged Sword

Ojukwu emphasized that while AI is reshaping societies, economies, and human interactions, its regulation must ensure that technological progress does not outpace human rights protections.

“As AI becomes more sophisticated, human oversight remains crucial. Our laws must evolve to balance innovation with ethical principles,” he said.

He called on policymakers, business leaders, technologists, and civil society groups to collaborate in ensuring AI promotes human dignity rather than undermines it.

NHRC Calls For Urgent Legal Reforms

Need for Legal and Ethical Frameworks

The President of the International Network for Corporate Social Responsibility (IN-CRS), Eustace Onuegbu, noted that AI’s rapid expansion in Africa brings both opportunities and challenges that require urgent legal and ethical considerations.

Similarly, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, representing the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, stressed the need for Nigeria to balance AI’s benefits with strong human rights safeguards.

Nnamdi Kanu Apologizes For Misconduct In High Court

Nnamdi Kanu apologizes for misconduct in High Court. The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has formally apologized to the Federal High Court, Justice Binta Nyako, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adegboyega Awomolo for his misconduct during the last session of his terrorism trial.

In a heartfelt plea for forgiveness, Kanu assured the court that he would maintain good conduct throughout the proceedings.

Emotional Apology Delivered by Counsel

His apology was conveyed through a prepared speech delivered by his lead counsel, former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN). Kanu expressed regret over his outburst in open court and pleaded for understanding.

Nnamdi Kanu

Agabi acknowledged that while Kanu had reasons to be frustrated, he should not have spoken in anger.

Prosecutor Accepts Apology

In response, Awomolo (SAN) said he was moved by Kanu’s sincere plea and had forgiven him. He clarified that his role was not to persecute but to ensure a fair and swift resolution of the case.

Video Credit: @galaxytv…

ICPC Stressed Importance Of Digital Reforms In NIS To Boost Governance, Citizen Welfare

ICPC stressed importance of digital reforms in NIS to boost governance, citizen welfare. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has stressed the importance of technology in tackling corruption and enhancing service delivery in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

ICPC Calls for Stronger Digital Security

Speaking at a nationwide sensitization campaign in Abuja, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by Demola Bakare, highlighted concerns over recruitment fraud, passport processing irregularities, and border operation misconduct.

Aliyu urged:
Enhanced cybersecurity for recruitment portals.
Strict enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Restructured Performance Management System (PMS).
Fixed administrative costs on passport applications to curb illegal fees.

While the NIS improved from non-compliance in 2023 to partial compliance in 2024 in the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS), Aliyu called for further reforms, including whistleblower protections and stricter penalties for corruption.

NIS Pledges Transparency and Efficiency

NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nanna Nandap, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to digitization and corruption-free operations.

ICPC

She outlined key anti-corruption innovations, including:
Automated passport processing.
Contactless application systems.
E-Gates, body cameras, and E-Visas.

Nandap emphasized that transparency and efficiency are vital for restoring public trust and attracting investment, stating that expanding digital reforms will enhance service delivery and eliminate corruption.

The sensitization campaign is part of broader efforts to promote accountability and ethical governance within the NIS.