As the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) marked the World Consumer Rights Day, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu urged consumers and producers to promote enduring partnership and collaboration.
The event themed “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Consumers” was organized by LASCOPA, where the governor pledged t he will continue to bridge the gap between producers and consumers to foster good relationship.
As a norm on March 15 every year, Lagos State joins the world and the various consumer interest groups to organize programs to highlight pressing issues being faced by Consumers globally while proffering possible solutions and policies to celebrate the day.
In her address , Commissioner,
Ministry of Commerce Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI), Mrs Folashade Ambrose- Medebem advocated for collaboration of governments, businesses, technologists and consumers to achieve fair and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The commissioner noted that the journey towards fair and responsible AI is a collective one, and urged stakeholders to commit to ensuring that AI serves as a tool for societal goods, enhancing consumer experiences while upholding the highest standards of fairness and ethics.
” It requires the collaboration of governments, businesses, technologists, and consumers.”
Expressing gratitude to LASCOPA for organising the event, the commissioner noted that the theme resonates with the core values of the present administration under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
“Our Governor has been at the vanguard of innovation and advocating consumer rights, ensuring that the advancements in artificial intelligence and technology at large serve to enhance the lives of our citizens, not complicate them.”
She said the administration’s dedication to integrating technology into the economy is matched only by its commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of every consumer.”
She expressed the administration’s dedication to consumer rights and the responsible use of AI, pledging to continue working tirelessly to create an environment where technology thrives, but not at the expense of the citizens’ rights and well-being.
General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo emphasised the significance of fair and responsible AI in the day- to- day activities of Consumers.
“We must advocate for fairness in these systems. Fairness entails unbiased algorithms that treat everyone equitably irrespective of their background, race, or socio-economic status.”
He said the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot be overstated as it has revolutionized the way businesses engage with their clientele.
“Consumers are surrounded by AI-driven technologies, from personalized recommendations to automated decision-making processes. In the rapidly advancing landscape of technology, the integration of Artificial Intelligence has become an integral part of our daily lives.”
He said in the current dispensation, the top AI talent market is diversifying and deepening as major manufacturing- Automotive, health, defense, consultancy companies, banks and many others are reinventing themselves as AI-led technology organizations. The ability of these companies to attract and grow their top AI talent is exponential.
He pointed out that responsible AI involves transparency and accountability, adding that consumers deserve to know how their data is being used and have the right to understand the decisions made by AI systems. “Developers and Companies must prioritize ethical considerations, ensuring that AI benefits the society as a whole.”