Corruption has long been a pervasive issue in Nigeria, particularly within some government Ministries, Agencies and Departments, which may not be necessary to name and shame at this time. But are well known by both Nigerians and Foreigners who transact businesses with them, for their history of corruption and inefficiency. The detrimental effects of corruption on any nation's development and the well-being of its citizens cannot be overstated. However, with the rapid advancements in technology, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), there is a glimmer of hope for combating inefficiency and corruption, if only those placed in positions would embrace its deployment.
The main thrust of this article is to explore how the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), can deploy AI in some key government agencies to check corruption by officials, focusing on critical areas that have been plagued by corruption and human-interactive inefficiencies.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize and assist the Tinubu’s administration in the fight against low productivity and corruption in Nigeria's government Ministries, Departments and Agencies. It may not be able to wipe it out entirely, but can drastically reduce it.
By leveraging AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics, the FGN can implement mechanisms to detect and prevent corrupt practices. There are specific ways in which AI can be deployed in agencies prone to corruption, particularly those that have a long history of corruption. And here are some examples how AI could intervene
Enhancing Transparency and Accountability:
AI can play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability within government agencies. By implementing AI-powered systems, such as automated auditing and monitoring tools, the federal government can detect irregularities and suspicious activities in real-time. For instance, AI algorithms can analyze financial transactions, identify patterns of corruption, and flag potential cases for investigation. This would significantly reduce the ability of corrupt officials to engage in fraudulent practices. In order for the president and his key personnel to be abreast of the input of AI and take appropriate actions, some of the key staff in the presidency, such as Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, who is charged with monitoring the Federal Minister’s Key Performance Index (KPI), should have access to monitoring recording devices that flag the reports of AI, where major infringements and malfeasance are reported.
Streamlining Processes and Reducing Human Interaction:
One of the root causes of inefficiency and corruption is the excessive human interaction in bureaucratic processes. AI can help streamline these processes, minimizing the opportunities for corruption. For example, AI-powered chatbots can handle routine inquiries and applications, reducing the need for citizens to interact with corrupt officials. Additionally, AI can automate decision-making processes, eliminating the potential for biased or corrupt official judgments.
Data Analytics for Predictive Policing and Risk Assessment:
The Nigerian Police Force has long been plagued by accusations of corruption, and sometimes high handed ness, leading to a breakdown in law and order, as in the case of the October 2020 EndSars protests. AI can be instrumental in transforming the police system by leveraging data analytics for predictive policing and risk assessment. By analyzing historical crime data, AI algorithms can identify black spots high-risk areas and predict potential criminal activities. This proactive approach would not only deter corruption but also enhance the overall effectiveness of law enforcement.
Enhancing Border Security and Customs Control:
Corruption at border checkpoints and customs offices has been a significant challenge for Nigeria. AI can be deployed to strengthen border security and customs control by automating processes such as cargo inspection and document verification. AI-powered systems can quickly identify discrepancies, flag suspicious shipments, and reduce the reliance on human intervention, thereby minimizing opportunities for corruption.
The deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various government agencies holds immense potential for combating corruption. By leveraging AI technologies, the federal government can enhance transparency, streamline processes, and implement data-driven decision-making. The Nigerian Police, Armed Forces, Customs, Immigration, NNPCL/ Oil & Gas, and Border Patrol are some critical areas that can benefit from AI-powered solutions. However, it is crucial to ensure that the implementation of AI is accompanied by robust governance, regulatory framework, ethical considerations, and proper training for officials. With a comprehensive approach, AI can help check inefficiency and corruption to the barest minimum, leading to a more transparent, accountable, and efficiency in the MDAs.
Now, given my personal experience and training as a banker and a player in the electricity power sector, it is incumbent upon me to analyze, review and recommend how AI can be deployed in the two sectors to enhance efficiency and curb corruption.
The banking and financial sector, as well as the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), have long been plagued by various forms of malfeasance, including insider lending, foreign currency round tripping, financial fraud, market manipulation, electricity theft, and infrastructure vandalization. These issues not only undermine the integrity of these sectors but also hinder economic growth and development. However, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), there is an opportunity to address these challenges effectively. It is therefore crucial to explore how AI can improve payment systems, reduce financial malfeasance in the banking sector, and enhance the operations of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry's and the Market Participants (Gas Suppliers, GenCos, TCN, NBET, DisCos) monitoring capabilities.
Ways that AI can be used in improving Payment Systems and Reducing Financial Malfeasance in the Banking Sector, are as follows:
Fraud Detection and Prevention:
AI can play a crucial role in detecting and preventing financial fraud in the banking sector. By analyzing vast amounts of transactional data, AI algorithms can identify patterns and anomalies indicative of fraudulent activities. For instance, AI-powered systems can detect unusual spending patterns, unauthorized access to accounts, or suspicious transactions, enabling banks to take immediate action and prevent financial malfeasance.
Insider Lending and Risk Assessment:
Insider lending, where bank officials grant loans to themselves or their associates without proper scrutiny, is a significant concern in the banking sector. AI can help mitigate this issue by automating the loan approval process and implementing robust risk assessment models. By analyzing various data points, including credit history, financial statements, and market trends, AI algorithms can provide unbiased loan recommendations, reducing the potential for insider lending and improving overall lending practices.
Market Manipulation Detection:
AI can also be deployed to detect and prevent market manipulation in stock and commodities markets. By analyzing market data, news articles, social media sentiment, and other relevant information, AI algorithms can identify suspicious trading activities and patterns. This can help regulatory bodies and financial institutions take timely action to prevent market manipulation, ensuring fair and transparent trading practices.
Deployment of AI in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry:
Monitoring the National Grid:
AI can significantly enhance the monitoring capabilities of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, particularly in monitoring the National Grid. By analyzing real-time data from sensors and smart meters, AI algorithms can detect anomalies, predict potential failures, and enable proactive maintenance. This would help prevent grid failures, reduce downtime, and improve the overall, efficiency, reliability and stability of the electricity supply.
Electricity Theft Detection:
Electricity theft is a pervasive issue in Nigeria, leading to significant revenue losses for electricity providers. AI can be instrumental in detecting and preventing electricity theft by analyzing consumption patterns, identifying abnormal usage, and flagging potential cases for investigation. This would not only reduce revenue losses but also ensure fair distribution of electricity resources.
Reducing Aggregate Technical Commercial and Collection Losses:
AI can also help reduce Aggregate Technical Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. By analyzing consumption data, billing information, and customer behavior, AI algorithms can identify areas of high losses and recommend targeted interventions. This would enable electricity providers to improve revenue collection, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance overall financial performance.
Infrastructure Vandalization Prevention:
Vandalization of electricity power infrastructure is a significant challenge in Nigeria. AI can be deployed to monitor critical infrastructure, such as transmission lines and substations, using surveillance cameras and sensors. AI algorithms can analyze the data in real-time, detect suspicious activities, and alert relevant authorities. This proactive approach would deter vandalism and protect the integrity of the electricity power infrastructure.
On the controversial Estimated Billing System and electricity theft in Nigeria, which has caused a lot of disharmony between the DisCos and consumers of electricity, AI can be deployed to check for tampering with electricity meters and bypassing of meters to steal power by using smart metering systems and advanced analytics. Here are a few ways AI can be utilized in this context:
Data analysis: AI algorithms can analyze the data collected from smart meters to identify patterns and anomalies that indicate tampering or bypassing of electricity meters. Unusual consumption patterns or sudden drops in energy usage can be flagged for further investigation.
Machine learning models: AI can be trained using historical data to develop machine learning models that can detect abnormal energy consumption patterns. These models can continuously learn and adapt to new techniques used by consumers to bypass meters.
Image recognition: AI-powered image recognition systems can be used to analyze images or video footage from surveillance cameras installed near electricity meters. These systems can identify physical tampering or unauthorized modifications to the meters.
Real-time monitoring: AI can enable real-time monitoring of electricity consumption, allowing utility companies to detect any sudden changes or irregularities immediately. This can help identify potential tampering or bypassing attempts promptly.
Predictive analytics: AI algorithms can analyze consumption patterns and other relevant data to predict potential instances of tampering or bypassing. This proactive approach can help utility companies take preventive measures and minimize revenue losses.
It's important to note that the deployment of AI for such purposes should comply with privacy regulations and ensure transparency to gain public confidence.
Another area of grave concern to most Nigerians and foreigners alike, is the difficulty and delays in obtaining Nigerian passport and visas by business travelers and tourists in and out of the country. But the cheering news is that the Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunde-Ojo, recently reeled out his Ministry’s blue-print on the improvement in the fast processing of passports for eligible citizens. The processing and issuance of Nigerian passports and visas had long been plagued by inefficiencies, delays, and corruption. However, the Minister’s recent initiatives appear to be assuring. These previous challenges not only inconvenience applicants but also hinder economic growth, foreign direct investments and international relations. However, with the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), there is an opportunity to revolutionize the facilitation of passport and visa processing. It is important again to explore how AI can be deployed in immigration offices in Nigeria and our foreign embassies and High Commissions to streamline the process, enhance security, and improve the overall experience for applicants.
Streamlining the Processing and Issuance of Passports and Visas:
Automated Application Processing:
AI can automate the application processing for passports and visas, reducing the reliance on manual labor and minimizing errors. By implementing AI-powered systems, immigration offices and foreign embassies can streamline the application process, enabling applicants to submit their documents online. AI algorithms can then analyze the applications, verify the authenticity of the documents, and flag any discrepancies for further review. This would significantly reduce processing times and improve efficiency.
Facial Recognition Technology:
AI-powered facial recognition technology can be utilized to enhance the security and accuracy of passport and visa processing. By capturing and analyzing facial features, AI algorithms can verify the identity of applicants, reducing the risk of identity fraud. This technology can also be used to compare the applicant's photo with existing databases to identify potential security threats or individuals with multiple identities.
Natural Language Processing for Document Verification:
AI-powered natural language processing can be employed to verify the authenticity of supporting documents submitted with passport and visa applications. By analyzing the content and structure of documents, AI algorithms can detect forged or altered documents, ensuring the integrity of the application process. This would help prevent the issuance of passports and visas based on fraudulent information.
Intelligent Queue Management:
AI can be utilized to optimize the queuing system in immigration offices and foreign embassies. By analyzing historical data and real-time information, AI algorithms can predict peak hours and allocate resources accordingly. This would help reduce waiting times, improve customer satisfaction, and enhance the overall efficiency of the processing and issuance of passports and visas.
Enhanced Data Security:
AI can also play a crucial role in ensuring the security of applicant data throughout the passport and visa processing. By implementing robust data encryption and access control mechanisms, AI-powered systems can protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or data breaches. This would instill confidence in applicants that their personal information is secure and handled with utmost care.
The deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the facilitation of passport and visa processing holds immense potential for streamlining the process, enhancing security, and improving the overall experience for applicants. By automating application processing, implementing facial recognition technology, utilizing natural language processing for document verification, optimizing queue management, and ensuring data security, immigration offices in Nigeria, foreign embassies and High Commissions can significantly improve efficiency and reduce corruption, if the will to do so is there. However, it is crucial to ensure that the implementation of AI is accompanied by proper training for officials, robust governance frameworks, and adherence to data privacy regulations. With a comprehensive approach, AI can transform the passport and visa processing system, making it more transparent, efficient, and secure in Nigeria.
The use of AI in tackling insecurity in Nigeria:
Further to the persistent challenges over decades, posed by different militant and violent groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP and the unknown gunmen, causing mayhem in different parts of Nigeria, AI could be deployed in curbing the violent and disruptive activities of these terrorists, in the following ways:
Data analysis and intelligence gathering: AI can analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, including social media, news reports, and intelligence databases, to identify patterns, connections, and potential threats. This can help in early detection of militant activities and provide valuable insights for counter-terrorism operations.
Predictive analytics: AI algorithms can analyze historical data and patterns to predict potential areas of conflict and attacks in the major flash points of these terrorist groups, particularly in the North East, North Central, North West and the South East parts of Nigeria. This can assist security forces in deploying resources and personnel strategically to prevent or respond to attacks more effectively.
Image and video analysis: AI-powered image and video analysis can be used to monitor surveillance footage, identify individuals, and detect suspicious activities. This can aid in tracking and apprehending militants, as well as identifying their networks and support systems.
Natural language processing: AI can be used to analyze and understand vast amounts of text data, including social media posts, online forums, and communication intercepts. This can help in identifying extremist propaganda, recruitment efforts, and communication channels used by militant groups.
Border security and surveillance: AI can enhance border security by using technologies such as facial recognition, license plate recognition, and anomaly detection to identify potential threats and monitor movement across borders. This can help in preventing the infiltration of militants and illegal activities.
Cybersecurity: AI can be used to detect and prevent cyber threats and attacks, which are often used by militant groups to disrupt critical infrastructure and communication networks.
It is important to note that while AI can be a valuable tool in combating militant and violent groups, it should be used in conjunction with other strategies, such as community engagement, intelligence sharing, and socio-economic development, to address the root causes of extremism and promote long-term stability.
In conclusion, to attempt cataloging all the areas of our national life and operations that AI could potentially enhance efficiency and productivity will be a daunting task. However, with the foregoing examples as pilot cases, the model of deployment of AI in business, health, climate change, agriculture, military, education and all spheres of human development could be replicated in many other sectors.