The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr. Dasuki Arabi, has called for the establishment of a strong ethical framework to govern the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Nigeria’s public service sector. His remarks came during a one-day roundtable discussion on public sector reforms held in Abuja on Monday.
Dr. Arabi, reflecting on the BPSR’s two-decade-long efforts to transform Nigeria’s public service, acknowledged the significant strides made in modernizing the sector. However, he cautioned that while progress is visible, several challenges remain—especially as the Nigerian government seeks to digitalize its operations further.
"Emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have the potential to revolutionize public service delivery, but without the right ethical guidelines, they could lead to unforeseen risks," Dr. Arabi remarked. He highlighted the urgent need for public sector reforms to not only embrace technological advancements but also to ensure that they are underpinned by strong ethical and accountability frameworks.
The Bureau’s leader outlined the strategic importance of aligning Nigeria's public service with global digital trends. This includes integrating open data initiatives and establishing clear AI ethics policies that can safeguard citizens' rights and privacy. "The ethical implications of AI adoption are critical, and we must act now to prevent potential misuse," he warned.
The roundtable session, which brought together stakeholders from development organizations, civil society, and the media, also focused on Nigeria’s ambitious goal to transition to a paperless public service by 2030. Dr. Arabi stressed that AI and other technologies would be pivotal in achieving this transformation, but he raised alarms about the security risks associated with such a shift.
"While the move to a paperless system offers clear efficiencies, we must be prepared for the constant threat of cyberattacks and data breaches," he cautioned. Concerns around the security of sensitive government data were also highlighted by Professor Akintola Bello, a lead consultant at the BPSR, who noted that while technological adoption is progressing, the public sector still faces significant hurdles in terms of mindset and capacity.
"We must be willing to discard outdated practices and embrace a future driven by technology," Bello said. "This includes learning from past mistakes and rethinking how we deliver public services in an increasingly digital world."
The conversation also delved into the role of public-private partnerships in navigating the challenges of reform. Dr. Arabi urged for greater collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to foster innovation and overcome the complex economic and infrastructural barriers that hinder rapid transformation.
Professor Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation within the public service. "It is not enough to just implement new technologies; we must also embed clear values and principles into how we operate," he said.
As Nigeria continues to modernise its public service, experts agree that a comprehensive approach that blends innovation with ethical governance will be crucial in ensuring the sustainable and effective use of AI and other emerging technologies. Dr. Arabi’s call for a well-defined ethical framework may very well serve as a guiding principle as the country navigates this critical phase of digital transformation.
