PHILOSOPHIA POLITICA

This paper explores the critical role of the Nigerian government in ensuring that AI technologies are harnessed for the collective good, promoting human dignity and equitable access to resources. Anchored in Thomas Aquinas’ notion of the common good, this paper argues that the Nigerian government must adopt a moral vision that places human flourishing at the heart of technological advancements. The common good, as Aquinas envisioned, is not merely the aggregation of individual interests but the harmonious flourishing of society as a whole. This principle offers a powerful ethical framework for guiding AI integration, ensuring that policies are not driven solely by profit motives but by the need to enhance communal wellbeing and justice. Key areas of focus include developing regulatory mechanisms for ethical AI deployment, fostering public-private collaborations to bridge digital divides, and prioritising AI literacy and data protection as societal imperatives. Drawing from global best practices and philosophical perspectives, this paper demonstrates how aligning AI policies with the pursuit of the common good can mitigate risks while fostering inclusivity and empowerment. Lastly, it advocates for a government-led approach that balances innovation with ethical responsibility, ensuring AI becomes a catalyst for shared prosperity and sustainable development

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