The former Minister of Communication Technology in Nigeria, Dr Omobola Johnson, has called on company secretaries and corporate boards to establish strong artificial intelligence governance frameworks. She further emphasized the urgent need for transparent, accountable AI systems in Nigerian organizations.
Johnson made this call during the investiture ceremony of Mrs Uto Ukpanah as the 30th President of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) in Lagos. The ceremony highlighted the growing importance of AI oversight in corporate governance.
AI Governance Frameworks Demand Board Attention
Johnson stressed that AI governance frameworks must maintain transparency, accountability, and human oversight. She noted that organizations need to balance innovation with compliance and ethical responsibility. The expert warned about algorithm bias in AI systems, calling for vigilant boards and proper governance structures to identify and reduce risks.
“If AI is going to play a central role in our future, how we manage it must just be as sophisticated as the technology itself,” Johnson stated.
Corporate boards worldwide are recognizing similar challenges. According to Deloitte research, board members need sufficient understanding of AI technology to ask the right questions in boardrooms. Directors must grasp how AI impacts their companies, both directly and indirectly.
Company Secretaries Take Center Stage in AI Ethics
Johnson urged company secretaries to publicly disclose major AI issues when necessary. They should develop clear AI ethics policies and ensure boards maintain the human element in decision-making processes.
Corporate secretaries can champion AI disclosure policies by recommending that organizations publish how they use AI in decision-making. This includes sensitive areas like recruitment, compliance, and customer service. They should also reinforce explainability requirements, ensuring boards receive clear summaries of how AI systems function.
The role extends to establishing internal audit practices. Corporate secretaries collaborate with audit committees and compliance teams to ensure regular reviews of AI models for risk and integrity.
Board Oversight Must Strengthen for AI Risk Management
Johnson emphasized that boards must strengthen oversight to ensure AI deployment aligns with organizational values. This approach helps mitigate risks and ensures compliance with relevant regulations and ethical standards.
EY research shows that 95% of CEOs plan to maintain or accelerate AI and technology transformation initiatives. However, many boards struggle with the rapid pace of AI developments. Directors need to cut through noise and help companies use AI strategically while understanding related risks.
Effective AI governance requires boards to build strong foundations for data use. Organizations spend millions addressing data quality issues, and this work becomes critical for efficient technology investments. Clean data and proper infrastructure are necessary to maximize AI benefits.
Algorithm Bias Poses Significant Corporate Risks
The expert highlighted cases of algorithm bias in AI systems. Organizations need vigilant boards and appropriate governance structures to identify and reduce these risks during AI deployment.
Algorithm bias can reduce businesses’ ability to serve diverse markets effectively. This limitation restricts innovation and market reach. Governance strategies must address bias through comprehensive frameworks that ensure fairness and accuracy in AI systems.
Companies can implement bias mitigation strategies through regular risk assessments. These assessments identify and evaluate risks associated with AI deployment. Organizations should conduct ongoing monitoring to ensure AI systems remain fair and accurate over time.
Responsible AI Deployment Requires Strategic Integration
Johnson called for balanced approaches that integrate AI into organizational values while maintaining compliance with ethical standards. This balance ensures responsible innovation without sacrificing operational efficiency.
Successful AI integration transforms how work gets done across all company areas. AI-driven automation improves operations efficiency, creates individualized marketing approaches, and customizes products for individuals. It also brings diverse data forms to financial forecasting, risk management, and strategic decision-making.
Companies that leverage AI effectively for transformation will outperform competitors. Organizations must act quickly on generative AI to avoid losing ground to competitors. Successful implementation improves knowledge of corporate assets, people, customers, suppliers, and history.
ICSAN Leadership Transition Emphasizes Governance Evolution
The investiture ceremony saw Mrs Uto Ukpanah assume leadership as ICSAN’s 30th President. Ukpanah’s theme “Expanding the Scope of Developments, Building on Legacy of Visionary Leadership” reflects the institute’s commitment to adapting governance practices for modern challenges.
Ukpanah noted that having two women succeed each other affirms ICSAN’s commitment to gender inclusion and meritocracy. She emphasized that her administration would amplify existing initiatives while exploring new territories that challenge comfort zones.
The outgoing President, Mrs Funmi Ekundayo, highlighted achievements including promoting corporate governance in public and private sectors. The institute also strengthened partnerships with regulatory authorities and began building its national secretariat during her tenure.
Future AI Governance Demands Proactive Board Action
The ceremony emphasized that AI governance represents more than technical oversight. It requires strategic thinking, ethical frameworks, and continuous adaptation to technological changes.
Boards must develop AI fluency to understand technology implications effectively. They need to understand how AI impacts their companies currently and in the future. This understanding helps boards navigate opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption.
Organizations should establish clear governance structures for AI oversight. These structures include dedicated committees, regular risk assessments, and transparent reporting mechanisms. Effective governance ensures AI systems align with corporate values and stakeholder expectations.
The call for enhanced AI governance comes as Nigerian organizations increasingly adopt AI technologies. Companies must balance innovation opportunities with ethical responsibilities and regulatory compliance. Strong governance frameworks help organizations achieve this balance while maximizing AI benefits.
