The Lagos State Government is pushing greater use of artificial intelligence in public financial management, with officials saying AI could improve efficiency, strengthen internal controls and enhance the quality of financial information used for decision-making.
The Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Treasury Office, Muyiwa Adetola, made the call at the 17th Annual Public Lecture of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Lagos State Public Service Chapter.
The event, themed “Opportunities and Challenges of Adopting Artificial Intelligence for Accountants in Public Service”, brought together accountants and other stakeholders to examine the potential benefits and risks of AI adoption across the public sector.
Adetola said AI could automate repetitive tasks, analyse large volumes of financial data, identify potential irregularities and strengthen internal controls. He added that the technology could improve the speed and accuracy of financial reporting.
He called for sustained investment in digital infrastructure, data governance and cybersecurity, alongside continuous professional development to prepare public sector workers for the transition.
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The 62nd President of ICAN, Queensley Seghosime, also urged public sector accountants to embrace AI while ensuring that its use does not undermine professional ethics, accountability or human judgement.
According to Seghosime, AI could support financial forecasting, auditing, fraud detection, the identification of unusual transactions, routine process automation and faster financial reporting.
However, she highlighted concerns around data quality, cybersecurity, privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency and ethical responsibility. She said AI could process information rapidly but could not replace the professional responsibility and judgement of accountants.
Seghosime urged professionals to develop digital literacy, analytical skills and technological competence while maintaining their commitment to ethics and the public interest.
The Chairman of the ICAN Lagos State Public Service Chapter, Suarau Oluwatoyin, said the accounting profession had expanded beyond traditional financial reporting and now required professionals to consider the wider impact of their decisions on institutions and society.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Internal Audit, Monsurat Alaka, stressed the importance of continuous professional development as demand for transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources increases.
The push for AI in Lagos public service comes as government institutions increasingly explore the use of artificial intelligence to process information, automate routine work and support decision-making. The discussions at the ICAN event also highlighted that effective adoption will depend not only on technology but on infrastructure, cybersecurity, data governance, professional skills and continued human oversight.
Lawrence Orjime is an AI and technology writer at AIBase.ng, covering the latest developments in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and the companies shaping the future of AI.
With a background in content strategy, SEO, and digital media, Lawrence Orjime combines technology reporting with a strong understanding of what makes information useful and easy to find online.