Dec. 7, 2023

A U.S. Department of State official, Mr. Paul Dean, has urged Nigerian partners to endorse the ‘ Political Declaration on the Responsible Use of AI and Autonomy in Military Applications’.

He also called on Nigeria to join in strengthening responsible conduct in the use of AI, and refine and build international capacity to implement the declaration.

Dean, who is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence and Stability, said this at a Roundtable with selected journalists on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that AI would also help militaries improve their operations in very tangible ways, deliver on their international humanitarian law obligations, improve efficiency, eliminate biases and improve overall decision making.

Dean said the Bureau and 47 other partners have endorsed the ‘ Political Declaration on the Responsible Use of AI and Autonomy in Military Applications’.

“In my view, we are at historic opportunity right now to work together with all of our partners to build from the ground up, the international framework of responsibility for artificial intelligence in the military.

“I think Nigeria is a natural leader in this area, and their commitment to the responsible behavior and stability that I have heard during my visit here convinces me that Nigeria would be an indispensable and valuable partner.

“Whose perspective would greatly add to the discussion of how the international community can ensure that AI in the military is incorporated in a safe, stable and reliable manner.”

According to him, AI will be of enormous value to global stability, and the US government wants to encourage its positive application in military operations.

“And at the same time ensuring the international community has coalesced around a series of norms of responsible behaviour to make sure that we are reducing the risk of unintended consequences or negative applications.

“We are convinced that when states commit themselves to using this technology in a predictable, transparent, stable and responsible way, the international community will be in the position of maximising the advantages while reducing the risks of a irresponsible approach,” he added.

Dean said the Bureau was engaged in deterring conflicts, promoting stability and norms of responsible behavior in the military domain.

He said they were also looking to strengthen relationship on the hard security side, cooperate in areas of AI in the military and build a normative framework for responsible usage.

“We are here to cooperate in areas of mutual interest and concern regarding the prohibition of chemical weapons, the pursuit of nuclear stability, the responsible use of outer space and the use of risk reduction measures to advance issues of regional security.

“I am convinced after our meetings yesterday, that we have a lot in common, a lot of mutual objectives to work in a constructive and mutually beneficial way.

“So, I’m very pleased to lead A-Team here to Abuja to have these consultations and further strengthen this partnership in the area of international stability,” he added.

On space security, Dean said that Nigeria had been a real partner in a recent initiative where the international community endorsed a commitment not to conduct direct destructive anti satellite tests.

He said it was a real step forward in keeping space free from debris generation, which has been terribly destructive not just on military satellites, but all other satellites.

On illicit arms proliferation, Dean said the U.S. would continue to support Nigeria’s efforts at reducing the threat and risks that comes from the proliferation of small arms. (NAN)