The Federal Government has intensified efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into public communication, launching a capacity-building programme for information officers across federal ministries, departments and agencies to improve digital engagement and tackle misinformation.
The five-day executive training, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in partnership with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), brought together communication officers from nearly 60 federal MDAs at the Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano.
Director-General of the BPSR, Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim-Arabi, said the initiative aligns with the government’s drive to modernise public communication in line with the National E-Government Master Plan, which encourages the adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain and the Internet of Things, across public institutions.
He said the programme is designed to prepare government communicators for a rapidly changing digital environment where citizens increasingly rely on online platforms for information.
According to Ibrahim-Arabi, information officers must acquire new skills to communicate government policies effectively while ensuring the ethical use of artificial intelligence to curb misinformation and protect public trust.
He noted that transparency and citizen engagement remain central to the Federal Government’s reform agenda, adding that commitments under the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Government Partnership require public institutions to embrace more open and technology-driven communication.
The BPSR boss said the training was organised in collaboration with IMPR and Bayero University because of the institution’s expertise in digital communication and emerging technologies.
He stressed that government agencies must strengthen their presence on digital platforms to engage Nigeria’s youthful population, many of whom now obtain information primarily through smartphones and social media.
Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described artificial intelligence as a transformative tool capable of improving public engagement, content creation and information dissemination.
He, however, cautioned that AI also presents challenges, including misinformation, privacy concerns, ethical issues, algorithmic bias and cybercrime, urging public institutions to adopt the technology responsibly.
Waiya disclosed that the Kano State Government has established a Digital Multimedia Department within the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs to enhance digital communication and build the capacity of information officers in emerging technologies.
Chairman of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, said the programme was designed to equip government communication managers with practical knowledge of AI and other digital tools to improve information management and public engagement.
Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Information and Media Studies at Bayero University, Professor Nura Ibrahim, said artificial intelligence has become an indispensable tool for communication professionals.
“Whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay. The choice is whether you use it effectively or allow it to define how you work,” he said.
The training is expected to feature practical sessions on AI-assisted communication, digital governance, crisis communication, ethical use of emerging technologies and strategies for strengthening public engagement across government institutions.
(The Whistler)
