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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been urged to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool to boost legislative efficiency, deepen accountability, and strengthen democratic governance across the sub-region.
The call came on Monday at the opening of the Second Parliamentary Seminar of the 2025 Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The seminar is themed: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance and Development in the ECOWAS Region.”
In her keynote address, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hajia Memounatou Ibrahima, described AI as a “global competitive tool” that lawmakers must strategically embrace. According to her, leveraging AI would enable the parliament to “create stronger regulatory frameworks, improve communication with citizens, and promote social and economic development.”
First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Jubrin Barau, stressed the importance of approaching AI adoption responsibly. “AI is reshaping governance, economies, and societies worldwide,” he said. “For legislators, it presents opportunities to enhance efficiency, strengthen accountability, and foster sustainable development.”
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, urged parliamentarians to ensure that AI strengthens democratic governance rather than undermining it. He noted that Rivers State, as both Nigeria’s energy hub and an emerging technology centre, offers useful lessons on “balancing innovation with traditional governance structures.”
Also delivering a goodwill message, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Dunoma, pointed out that AI’s impact already cuts across vital sectors such as education, healthcare, commerce, and security. He emphasized that the real challenge for West Africa is not whether AI will reshape society, but “how leaders and policymakers can guide its adoption to strengthen democracy, foster regional integration, and improve citizens’ lives.”
Similarly, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, expressed confidence that the seminar would provide “pragmatic strategies for harnessing AI to advance good governance in the region.”
The three-day session is expected to produce actionable recommendations on how parliaments across West Africa can integrate AI into governance for inclusive and sustainable growth.