By: Joseph James Udoh |Columnist | WBN NEWS Africa | May 3, 2025

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to expand across various sectors, many Nigerians remain cautious about its impact. From fears of job loss to concerns about privacy, the technology's rapid growth has raised questions about safety, fairness, and relevance to local needs. Addressing these concerns is essential to building trust and ensuring AI serves the broader public good.

A key fear is that AI will replace human workers, particularly in industries such as banking, agriculture, and customer service. While automation may shift certain job roles, experts argue it can also create new opportunities in areas like data analysis, AI maintenance, and digital education. The focus, therefore, should be on upskilling the workforce to adapt to emerging technologies.

Misinformation is another major issue. Popular myths portray AI as an all-knowing, autonomous force capable of taking control of human systems. In reality, AI models rely heavily on human input, are limited by the data they are trained on, and require human oversight to operate ethically. Without transparency and accessible information, these myths continue to shape public perception.

Privacy and surveillance are also central concerns. Nigerians, like others globally, are right to demand that AI tools respect personal data. Clear regulations, ethical frameworks, and local accountability can help ensure AI applications do not infringe on civil liberties.

To build trust, developers and policymakers must involve local communities in the design and implementation of AI systems. Inclusive AI means addressing the unique social, economic, and cultural contexts of Nigeria. Public education campaigns, digital literacy initiatives, and transparent governance are critical steps in bridging the trust gap.

The future of AI in Nigeria lies not in rejecting the technology, but in reshaping it to serve human values. By demystifying AI and putting people at the center of innovation, Nigeria can lead the way in responsible and inclusive AI development.

TAGS: #Joseph James Udoh #Artificial Intelligence #Nigeria #Digital Trust #AI Adoption #Tech Education

Joseph James Udoh is a WBN News contributor with a passion for digital empowerment. With a background in computer science, theology, and human resource leadership, he brings a unique blend of insight to his writing. An educator, counselor, and content strategist, Joseph is dedicated to helping individuals and teams thrive in today’s digital world.

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