Nigeria Urged To Regulate AI In Health Sector Amid Rising Adoption
Stakeholders Examine AI’s Promise and Perils
THE increasing use of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare has triggered renewed calls for regulation, as experts warn that the technology’s benefits must be carefully balanced against its risks.
This formed the focus of discussions at a high-level forum hosted at the French Institute Abuja, bringing together stakeholders from government, healthcare, and development sectors.
Opening the session, Thierry Vapentin underscored the importance of dialogue in shaping policies around emerging technologies.
Efficiency Gains, But Not Without Risks
Participants acknowledged that AI is already transforming healthcare systems, particularly in diagnostics, laboratory services, and digital health solutions.
Temitope Agbana shared practical insights, noting that AI-enabled laboratory systems have significantly improved efficiency. However, he cautioned that no system is perfect and must be complemented by human expertise.
Ethics at the Core of AI Adoption
A major theme of the discussion was the need for ethical safeguards. Niyi Osamiluyi outlined key principles, including fairness, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
He stressed that ethical lapses could erode public trust, making it critical to establish clear guidelines before scaling AI solutions.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Experts warned that without proper regulation, AI could deepen inequality in healthcare access. Joshua Kojalo highlighted the risk of AI becoming a premium service available only to urban and affluent populations.
He advocated for policies that prioritise inclusivity and ensure that rural communities benefit from technological advancements.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
Public health expert Chimezie Anyakora emphasised that vulnerable populations are most at risk when systems fail.
“AI is exciting, but weak oversight could have serious consequences for those already disadvantaged,” he noted.
Path Forward: Regulation and Collaboration
The forum concluded with a strong call for coordinated action involving government, private sector players, and international partners such as the European Union.
Participants agreed that with the right policies, investment in local capacity, and ethical safeguards, AI can become a transformative force in Nigeria’s healthcare system—improving outcomes while ensuring fairness and accountability.
