The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has urged professionals and corporate leaders to embrace ethical artificial intelligence (AI) to aid professional efficiency and boost the economy.

The institute made the call ahead of its 49th yearly conference, scheduled to be held on Thursday and Friday, September 18 to 19, 2025, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos,

Addressing a press conference, ICSAN Vice President, Francis Olawale, noted that the rising influence of AI on governance and business operations required deliberate attention.

Stating that, despite being in the digital age, some persons are still inundated by its transformation, he said there is a need to reshape and elevate thoughts as governance professionals.

Olawale, who stood in for the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the institute, Uto Ukpanah, said: “AI has come to change the way things are done in many areas of human lives, especially in the commercial world and professional milieu.

“AI is not just a tool, but a disruptive force shaping many areas, including the governance realm. Nigeria must not only adapt to this revolution but also provide the framework for its ethical and responsible deployment.”

Highlighting some of the benefits accruable to participants at the conference, Olawale said it would give them knowledge and insight to overcome the fear of disruption that AI brings, and it would also enable them to see AI as a great tool for creativity and efficiency in their jobs and professional callings rather than as a hindrance.

He added that it would equally allow participants to bond and network with like-minded, seasoned professionals at the conference and the dinner.

Expected at the conference are Senator Udo Udoma, Chairman of Seplat Energy, as Conference Chairman; Dr. Femi Oyenuga, Executive Director, Chams Holding Company, as Keynote Speaker; and Dr. Emmanuel Ikhazobor, Chairman of Dangote Cement, as the Dinner Chairman, among other speakers and panellists.

The conference is also expected to feature the conferment of awards in categories of Distinguished Chartered Secretary, Excellence in Corporate Governance (Individual), and the Corporate Category, among others.