By Sabastine Gabriel
The Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence (NRCAI) has trained journalists in South-East geopolitical zone on effective reporting of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), stressing the urgent need for proper regulation of the emerging technology.
The coalition also called for collective action to ensure that artificial intelligence serves humanity rather than posing a threat to mankind.
NRCAI expressed concern that some proponents of AI in Nigeria and beyond are creating the impression that the technology is superior to God, the creator of all things, warning that lack of regulation could cause more harm than good globally.
The group made these remarks in Enugu during a one-day training workshop designed to educate journalists on the benefits and potential risks of AI applications in everyday life.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, comprising the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam, and the Future of Life Institute (FLI) Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi, Director of the CCN Institute of Church and Society, Ibadan, emphasized the need for unity in tackling misinformation and misrepresentation associated with AI.
“We appeal to all people of goodwill to unite in ensuring that AI serves all of humanity rather than a narrow few. By coming together across nations, cultures, and creeds, and prioritising dialogue over competition, we can shape a future that upholds human dignity and fosters a just and peaceful world.
“We call on all stakeholders, citizens, scientists, business leaders, faith leaders, community representatives, and policymakers to participate in this initiative. Collectively, we reiterate that machines must serve the interests of humanity,” Fadahunsi said.
Fadahunsi noted that NRCAI advocates ethical AI use and supports policies anchored on justice, compassion, accountability, and human dignity as guiding principles for AI development in Nigeria.
He further urged journalists, as gatekeepers of information, to exercise caution in handling AI-generated content to avoid misleading the public.
According to him, Nigerians are often driven by emotions, particularly on religious matters, making it imperative for media practitioners to verify information before dissemination to prevent misinformation and potential conflict.
Presenting an overview of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) 2025 in a paper titled “God in the Engine,” Fadahunsi described the framework as a living document guiding Nigeria’s AI-driven socio-economic transformation.
“At NRCAI, our focus is on responsible AI development, as reflected in NAIS 2024, particularly Pillar 4, which aims to establish ethical frameworks and build public trust. It is crucial that religious leaders provide moral and ethical guidance on the direction of AI in Nigeria,” he explained.
He added that the training was part of broader efforts to build a robust AI ethics framework and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including faith-based organisations.
In his presentation, the Chief Imam of Imo State, Barr. Yusuf Suleman Njoku, described AI as one of the most powerful information tools globally, warning that its use must be approached with caution to avoid catastrophic consequences.
He disclosed that many people could easily be misled by AI-generated content if not critically examined, stressing that AI should be used to support humanity rather than undermine it.
“We must ensure that AI does not supplant the role of God in the world. Some individuals can use AI to generate or foment trouble. How do we verify whether a statement was actually made by a person or generated by AI?” he queried.
Participants at the workshop unanimously agreed that without proper regulation, AI has the potential to either benefit or harm humanity on a global scale.
