Religious leaders under the Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence (NRCAI) have issued a warning, that rapid growth in Artificial Intelligence (AGI) could threaten human dignity and societal stability.
The group gathered in Enugu for a specialized training session for journalists to discuss these emerging risks.
The event featured the theme “God in the Engine” and focused on responsible reporting.
Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi spoke about the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS). He stated that while Nigeria wants to be a global leader in innovation, technology must not override human values.
The coalition is seeking a central role in shaping the country’s technological future.
They allege that faith-based institutions must provide the ethical backbone needed to build public trust. This is especially important as the country moves toward more automated systems.
Faith Leaders Seek National Framework To Protect Local Culture
Fadahunsi stated that AI is a moral and societal issue rather than just a technical one.
He expressed concern over risks like misinformation, deepfakes, and psychological harm to young people. He called for a national ethics framework that reflects Nigerian values like accountability and transparency.
“AI is not just a technological issue; it is a moral and societal one,” Fadahunsi stated. He added that the country cannot allow a future shaped entirely by foreign tech companies.
“We cannot allow a future shaped entirely by foreign tech companies whose values may not align with ours,” he stated.
The Director of the Christian Council of Nigeria-Institute of Church and Society Ibadan also spoke. He alleged that religious voices must be part of the policy-making process.
This ensures that governance remains culturally relevant to the Nigerian people and their diverse backgrounds.
Islamic And Christian Clerics Warn Against Moral Erosion By Machines
The Chief Imam of Imo State, Yusuf Njoku, also presented a paper from the Islamic perspective. He alleged that unchecked AI could distort moral values and challenge divine order, saying that knowledge and technology are trusts from Allah that require justice and compassion.
“The tools we create, if not guided by moral boundaries, may harm the human dignity we are meant to preserve,” Njoku stated.
He noted that machines must never decide matters of faith or life and death. He alleged that AI should serve human dignity and uphold divine guidance instead of replacing it.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara added a warning about media distortion. He alleged that AI-generated content is being used to discredit specific religions.
Philip Jakpor of the Renevlyn Development Initiative also cautioned that Western-heavy datasets are eroding indigenous African cultures.
Without local ethical rules, these systems may promote values that do not align with your faith or community traditions.
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