AI at a Crossroads: NHRC Pushes for Legal Reforms to Protect Human Rights

In a fast-moving digital age where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping society, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for urgent legal reforms to address the ethical and human rights challenges posed by AI.

Speaking at a workshop in Abuja, NHRC Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, warned that without proper governance, AI could deepen inequalities, enable biased algorithms, and infringe on privacy. “We are at a turning point where AI is both a catalyst for innovation and a potential risk to human dignity. It is crucial that our laws evolve to keep pace with this reality,” he stated.

The event, organized in collaboration with the International Network for Corporate Social Responsibility (IN-CRS), highlighted the need for AI regulations that prioritize human oversight and accountability.

Eustace Onuegbu, President of IN-CRS, emphasized that Africa must navigate AI’s rapid growth carefully, ensuring it serves societal progress without compromising rights. Similarly, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, stressed the importance of balancing AI’s benefits with robust safeguards.

As AI continues to transform industries, the NHRC is advocating for a legal framework that ensures innovation serves humanity—not at its expense.