Advocacy for stronger policies to govern Artificial Intelligence (AI) deployment in Nigeria is gaining momentum, as experts warn that the absence of clear regulations could stall progress in critical sectors, such as background screening.
 
With AI poised to enhance operational systems, stakeholders are calling for smarter implementation strategies that align with global standards while addressing Nigeria’s unique digital and data challenges.
 
At a recent webinar hosted by the Society for Professional Background Screeners (SPBS), industry stakeholders gathered to explore how AI can be better integrated into screening practices.
 
A business analyst and AI strategist, Henry Akinlude, emphasised the pressing need for both advocacy and policy reform to shape AI’s future in the sector.
  
Akinlude, while speaking during the session titled “Leveraging AI and Analytics to Automate Background Screening Operations,” described AI as a collaborative tool, not a replacement for human input.

He said that, when guided properly, AI could streamline operations and improve fraud detection, but stressed that human oversight must remain central.
  
He, therefore, called for a stronger alliance between the SPBS and the Association of Professional Business Management Analysts (APBMA) to align with international verification standards, warning that without such coordination, the credibility of AI-driven background checks could be undermined.
 
The analyst, who urged business leaders and policymakers to educate the market and promote responsible use, said: “It’s not just about the tools, but about building understanding, trust, and accountability.”