At ILO Conference, Nigeria Seeks Inclusive AI Policies to Safeguard Jobs and Workers’ Rights

Nigeria has advocated inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence policies that protect jobs and safeguard workers’ rights while harnessing the transformative potential of technology to drive economic growth and decent work.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, made the call while delivering Nigeria’s statement at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Speaking in response to the report of the ILO Director-General titled “A Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work,” Dingyadi described the theme as timely, noting that rapid advancements in AI are reshaping labour markets, employment relationships, and workplace practices across the world.

“The world is moving forward at a rapid pace, underpinned by advances in AI, and we as an organisation must match that pace,” Dingyadi said. “While welcoming the positive transformations AI offers, we are also pondering the uncertainties it connotes. Where AI creates new jobs, there may be job losses. Where digital and AI infrastructures are created, there may be a loss of the traditional role and value of the human factor in the work process.”

The minister highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to embrace digital transformation through strategic investments in innovation and technology, including the establishment of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to drive digital development policies.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Oluwaseun Faleye, described Nigeria’s position on AI as robust and pragmatic, noting the importance of understanding the implications of AI on workers and the workplace.

Sources: ThisDay