Nigerian workers and media professionals have been urged to take control of the ongoing Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution in the workplace to ensure it benefits people rather than becoming another tool of exploitation by big corporations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The call was made by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) during the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) conference held in Ibadan over the weekend. The NLC said that technology should serve workers, not replace them.

NLC President Joe Ajaero said that the growing use of AI across industries poses both opportunities and dangers for the Nigerian workforce. He warned that without active involvement from labor unions and the media, the AI wave could deepen inequality and lead to job losses.

“We must make sure that Artificial Intelligence does not become another instrument of oppression,” Ajaero said. “Workers must be part of the discussion about how AI is introduced and used in our workplaces. Technology should make work better, not take away our dignity.”

AI and the Future of Work

Experts say AI is spreading fast in Nigeria. A recent survey shows that nine out of ten Nigerian professionals already use AI tools for tasks such as writing emails, generating ideas, and analyzing data. However, unions fear that companies may use these tools to reduce human staff and increase profits.

Tech analysts also warn that many AI models used in Nigeria are imported from foreign companies with little understanding of local culture or labor conditions. This, they say, could lead to unfair use of technology and growing unemployment.

Need for Regulation and Worker Protection

To prevent such problems, Ajaero and other speakers at the conference called for clear policies and strong labor protections. They said the government must ensure that AI is introduced responsibly and in line with workers’ rights.

Olawaseun Faleye, Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), said social protection laws must be updated to cover workers affected by new technologies.

“We need new safety nets for people who may lose their jobs or income because of automation,” Faleye said. “Artificial Intelligence should be used to predict and prevent accidents, not to push people out of work.”

He added that companies should invest in retraining and upskilling their employees so that workers can adapt to the new digital economy.

Role of the Media

Speakers also highlighted the role of the media in educating the public about AI. They said journalists should lead campaigns that encourage responsible innovation and demand transparency from companies that deploy AI systems.

Dr. Okey Ukoha, a communication expert, urged news organizations to promote discussions around AI policies and ethics.

“Media workers must not just report on technology; they must help shape how it is used,” Ukoha said. “If we leave AI in the hands of profit-driven corporations alone, we may wake up one day to a society where human labor is no longer valued.”

Call for Collaboration

Participants at the LAWAN event agreed that collaboration between labor unions, the media, and government agencies is crucial. They called for the creation of a national framework to guide AI adoption, protect workers’ data, and ensure that new technologies support job creation.

The NLC emphasized that AI should enhance productivity, improve workplace safety, and open opportunities for innovation — not create a new class of “digital victims.”

As Nigeria moves further into the digital age, stakeholders say the country must act quickly to avoid being left behind. They warn that if workers and journalists fail to take part in the AI conversation, the nation could face rising unemployment, income inequality, and ethical concerns.

“The future of work must be shaped by human values, not just machines,” Ajaero said. “If we lead the change now, Artificial Intelligence will be a blessing. But if we ignore it, it could become a curse for workers everywhere.”