At the 13th annual Nigerian Insurers Association Chief Information Officers Conference in Lagos, industry leaders emphasized the critical role of insurers and tech executives in responsibly harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to fuel innovation while addressing its risks.
Keynote speaker Prof. Obadare Adewale, cybersecurity expert and CEO of Digital Encode Ltd., stressed the urgency of ethical and strategic AI integration in Nigeria’s insurance sector. He urged CIOs to transcend the hype and align AI initiatives with organizational objectives, cautioning against unethical deployment. “Responsible AI adoption isn’t just about efficiency it’s vital for customer trust, compliance, and long-term sustainability,” said Adewale, a professor of practice in cybersecurity. He advised leaders to identify high-impact AI opportunities, invest in training, and ensure robust infrastructure to support AI projects.
Other speakers highlighted practical applications. Cloud engineer Ademola Adeagbo of Clousa Africa showcased AI Copilot, a tool designed to streamline tasks like meeting summaries, risk analysis, and claims processing. “Underwriters can use such tools to refine products, accelerate services, and boost customer satisfaction,” he noted.
Shikoli Makatiani, Head of AI and Innovation at Turnkey Africa, outlined steps for embedding AI into core workflows, emphasizing strategic planning and organizational adaptability. Meanwhile, Cisco’s Theodore Chukwudi warned that AI implementation must prioritize cybersecurity amid rising threats.
The three-day conference, which began on Friday, united insurance and tech stakeholders to explore AI’s transformative potential in Nigeria’s insurance landscape, balancing innovation with risk mitigation.
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