Experts Urge Responsible AI And Data Use at AE-FUNAI Law Conference

Legal scholars and technology experts have stressed the urgent need for responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data governance in Nigeria, warning of potential abuse in the absence of robust legal frameworks.

This call came during the 2025 International Law Conference organised by the Faculty of Law at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State. Themed “Digital Sovereignty and the Law: AI, Data, and Cyber Governance”, the event brought together jurists, cybersecurity professionals, academics, political leaders, and policymakers to explore the legal and ethical implications of emerging technologies.

Declaring the event open, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sunday Elom—represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Romanus Ejiaga—emphasised the need for a new legal and ethical framework, stating that traditional notions of sovereignty anchored in geography were being challenged by transnational data flows and algorithmic systems. He called for bold thinking and collaborative action to navigate the complexities of digital governance.

Chairman of the conference, Hon. Justice Elvis Ngene, Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, represented by Hon. Justice Onu, warned that the legal system must not remain passive in the face of digital transformation. “Digital sovereignty is more than a policy preference; it is a declaration of national identity and legal autonomy,” he said. Justice Ngene also advocated for a homegrown legal model that reflects African realities while aligning with global norms.

In his keynote address titled “Nigeria’s Legal System and the Challenges of Navigating Global Justice in the Digital Era of Artificial Intelligence”, Hon. Justice Obande Ogbuinya of the Supreme Court noted that AI has become integral to legal evidence, governance systems, and commerce. However, he raised concerns about Nigeria’s digital illiteracy within the judiciary and dependence on foreign platforms. “While the potential for judicial innovation exists, our system faces significant ethical and infrastructural hurdles,” he said.

Justice Ogbuinya argued that AI should be used to enhance legal reasoning and protect rights, not replace human judgment. He urged for reforms, updated legislation, and investment in judicial capacity to ensure ethical and people-centred integration of AI. “We must not imitate foreign models blindly,” he said, “but build a legal system that reflects our constitutional values, cultural diversity, and commitment to justice.”

In his paper, Mr. Olumide Babalola, Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth, UK, discussed AI’s implications for privacy and data protection under Nigerian law. He warned that AI’s ability to predict future behaviours poses serious threats to privacy. “Predictive privacy is not just about analysing past behaviour—it involves forecasting personal tendencies,” he said. Babalola urged Nigeria to adopt a multi-layered regulatory approach, combining legal reform with ethical and technological safeguards.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ebonyi State, Dr. Ben Uruchi Odoh, who represented Governor Francis Nwifuru, described the issues of AI and digital governance as no longer theoretical. “They demand urgent legal and policy attention,” he said. Odoh noted that control over data is now shaping global power dynamics, necessitating laws grounded in public interest and democratic values.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Eseni Azu Udu, welcomed participants and emphasised the conference’s goal of legal excellence and regional leadership in AI and digital law. He pointed out that digital sovereignty also involves access to and control over digital infrastructure and data—realities that now influence national identity and sovereignty.

The conference concluded with awards presented to 15 distinguished individuals for their contributions to legal scholarship, public service, and the advancement of humanity.