Reps step down bill on Artificial Intelligence regulation

The House of Representatives on Wednesday stepped down a bill to regulate the usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology in Nigeria.

The bill was sponsored by the lawmaker representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency of Katsina State Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency of Katsina State, Sada Soli.

The proposed legislation, which was slated for second reading, was stepped down to allow for consolidation of three other bills related to the regulation of AI in the country.

Soli, while presenting the general principles of the bill stressed the need for a forward-thinking legislative framework to facilitate AI adoption in Nigeria while mitigating potential risks.

The lawmaker observed that Artificial intelligence has been acknowledged worldwide to be a catalyst for seamless ways of doing things without much problems.

According to him, AI is needed in the areas of health, security, economy, and the general national development across the world.

He added that a responsive government must have the will to coordinate and regulate the technology for a better society rather than using it to create harm.

However, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka pointed out that there are three bills surrounding AI before the House, and suggested that they be consolidated to avoid confusion.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu supported this view, stating that the process of consolidation is not within the confines of the sponsors of the bill.

“The process of consolidation is not within the confines of the sponsors of the bill to decide whether it should be consolidated or not.

“It’s the duty of the rules and business to put it together”

Another lawmaker, Hon. Ahmed Usman Jaha, while citing 12 (15) of the House standing order, said, “This house deserves to be given effective and efficient utilization of our legislative time.”

“The best decision is for such bills to be consolidated, harmonized, and be represented to the house for a one and all approach in order to find a very nice establishment law as far as AI is concerned,” Jaha stated.

After deliberations, Speaker Abbas suggested that the bill be stepped down to allow for consolidation with the other three bills.

Soli agreed to the position of the House, and the bill was stepped down.