The Health and Lifestyle Awareness Development Initiative (HLADI) actively participated in a high-level webinar organized by UNESCO, designed to finalize Nigeria’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) instrument—a critical national tool for evaluating the ethical, legal, and societal implications of artificial intelligence (AI).
This engagement marked an important step toward strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness for ethical AI adoption by ensuring that diverse stakeholder voices were reflected in the assessment process.
Held from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the four-hour virtual session convened representatives from private companies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, national commissions, public agencies, and technical departments. The extensive participation demonstrated a strong national commitment to developing responsible and inclusive AI governance systems.
Key Dimensions Discussed During the Webinar
The meeting was structured around five core dimensions of the RAM instrument, each addressing essential components of ethical AI deployment:
1. Legal Dimensions
Stakeholders examined existing laws and regulatory frameworks governing AI in Nigeria, with a focus on:
- Protecting citizen rights
- Addressing legal gaps in AI oversight
- Developing policies that support innovation while safeguarding the public
2. Social and Cultural Dimensions
Participants discussed the societal implications of AI, including;
- Public perception of AI technologies
- Potential cultural barriers to AI adoption
- The need to ensure AI systems respect local values and social norms
3. Scientific and Educational Dimensions
This segment emphasized:
- Strengthening AI literacy and awareness
- Enhancing research on AI ethics and emerging technologies
- Preparing future professionals to navigate ethical dilemmas in AI development
4. Economic Dimensions
The conversations explored the economic impacts of AI, particularly:
- How AI can support economic growth and efficiency
- Mitigating risks of job displacement
- Ensuring equitable distribution of AI-driven opportunities
5. Technical and Infrastructural Dimensions
Participants reviewed the technical requirements needed for ethical AI practices, including:
- Adequate digital infrastructure
- Secure and transparent technology systems
- Investments that align AI innovations with societal well-being
HLADI’s representatives contributed meaningfully to discussions in this area, bringing insights from public health, community engagement, and digital systems strengthening. Their input helped ensure that the RAM instrument captured the realities and infrastructure gaps that affect grassroots communities.
HLADI’s Role and Contributions
HLADI’s participation enriched the webinar by:
- Sharing community-based perspectives on ethical technology adoption
- Providing insights on digital infrastructure challenges that affect marginalized populations
- Advocating for inclusive approaches that protect vulnerable communities in the digital transition
- Supporting discussions that ensure AI ethics remain people-centered and development-driven
HLADI’s contributions underscored its growing role as an advocate for responsible technology use in Nigeria’s development landscape.
Conclusion
HLADI’s active engagement in UNESCO’s RAM webinar reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical, equitable, and accountable use of emerging technologies in Nigeria.
As AI continues to shape global development, HLADI remains dedicated to advocating for policies and frameworks that prioritize ethical considerations and safeguard community interests. The organization will continue working with both international partners and local stakeholders to ensure that technological progress benefits all Nigerians—especially underserved and vulnerable populations.
HLADI stands ready to support ongoing national efforts to build an ethical, inclusive, and well-governed AI ecosystem that strengthens development and improves societal well-being.