The Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN) has urged corporate boards to strengthen oversight, transparency and accountability as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into business operations.

The call was made at the Society’s 2026 Annual Corporate Governance Conference, held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme, “Artificial Intelligence, Power and Accountability: The New Architecture of Corporate Governance.”

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Speaking at the conference, SCGN President and Board Chairman, Mr Muhammad K. Ahmad, OON, said responsibility for organisational decisions must remain with boards and management, regardless of how extensively AI is used.

Ahmad said directors must understand where AI systems are deployed, assess associated risks, verify that data is reliable and lawfully obtained, and establish appropriate human oversight to prevent bias and protect stakeholders.

He added that board members did not need to become software engineers but required sufficient knowledge to question management decisions, evaluate technology-related risks and determine whether existing governance frameworks were adequate.

In her welcome address, SCGN Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Chioma Mordi, described AI governance as a critical corporate governance issue.

She emphasised the importance of clear responsibilities, ethical judgement and transparency in ensuring that technological innovation strengthens rather than undermines public trust.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Evans Woherem, Founder and Chairman of Digital Africa Global Consult Ltd, called for greater African participation in developing and controlling AI infrastructure.

Woherem warned that AI could deepen existing vulnerabilities if it was not properly governed. He also advocated multidisciplinary oversight at board level, responsible data management and ethical controls throughout the AI lifecycle.

The Director-General of the National Pension Commission, Mrs Omolola Oloworaran, also stressed the importance of accountability, transparency and human responsibility in decisions influenced by AI.

A panel session featuring senior executives and AI governance experts examined how organisations could move beyond AI experimentation to deliver measurable business value.

Discussions focused on the need for responsible AI policies, monitoring investment returns and ensuring that designated executives remained accountable for business outcomes.

The conference also featured a fireside chat titled “From Digital to Intelligence Enterprise: What AI Governance Really Demands of Boards.”

The session explored the leadership, oversight and organisational capabilities required for responsible AI adoption.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of Corporate Governance and Sustainability Reporting in Nigeria and the 30th edition of the Journal of Corporate Governance.

The publications offer research and practical insights into sustainability disclosures, board oversight, ethical leadership, cybersecurity and the governance of emerging technologies.

Through the conference and its publications, SCGN reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening corporate governance standards and equipping Nigerian organisations to embrace innovation while promoting sustainable growth and long-term stakeholder trust.

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The conference underscored the growing need for corporate boards to treat AI not merely as a technological investment but as a governance responsibility requiring clear accountability, effective risk management and human oversight.