As artificial intelligence (AI) keeps transforming industries globally, Nigerian insurance firms and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) have been advised to lead in adopting the technology ethically and strategically.
At the 13th Annual Nigerian Insurers Association CIO Conference held in Lagos on Saturday, tech experts emphasized the need for responsible use of AI to improve innovation, customer service, and business growth.
Professor Obadare Adewale, cybersecurity expert and CEO of Digital Encode Ltd, said AI has the power to revolutionise the insurance sector but must be deployed with integrity and purpose.
“AI is more than just a buzzword. CIOs must go beyond the hype and build clear strategies that align with their business goals. If used properly, AI can transform some CIOs into Chief AI Officers,” Adewale stated.
He stressed that AI can drive operational efficiency, boost customer trust, ensure regulatory compliance, and support long-term business sustainability.
Adewale also warned against careless or unethical adoption of AI, advising insurers to focus on real-life business problems and invest in training, research, and proper infrastructure.
Mr Ademola Adeagbo, a cloud engineer with Clousa Africa, showcased the practical use of AI Copilot, a new tool that helps insurance firms manage tasks like meeting summaries, customer communication, claims processing, and risk analysis.
“With Copilot, underwriters can respond faster, create tailored products, and improve overall customer satisfaction,” he said.
Mr Shikoli Makatiani, Head of AI and Innovation at Turnkey Africa, called for strategic planning and change management when integrating AI into core insurance operations.
Also speaking, Mr Theodore Chukwudi, a technical engineer at Cisco, said cybersecurity must be a top priority. “AI should never be deployed without strong data protection. As threats grow more complex, so should your defences,” he warned.
