Experts Warn AI-Driven Crises Outpace Response, Erode Public Trust
Artificial intelligence is accelerating the speed and scale of crises beyond the capacity of institutions to respond, eroding trust and widening the gap between emerging threats and preparedness, stakeholders have warned. They emphasized that misinformation, deepfakes, and AI-driven cyber threats are spreading faster than official responses, leaving governments, organizations, and leaders increasingly exposed as digital risks evolve at an unprecedented pace.
Minister Tijani Highlights Communication and Preparedness
Speaking at the 2026 Crisis Management Advocacy Month flagship conference in Lagos, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, stated that while crises are inevitable, outcomes depend largely on preparedness and the ability of institutions to respond effectively. He noted that communication plays a central role in shaping crisis outcomes, as information influences behavior, shapes perception, and ultimately determines trust and public reaction.
Tijani urged a shift in perception, describing crises as opportunities for reform and innovation when properly managed. He added that governments must invest in systems that strengthen resilience to better handle the rapid evolution of digital threats.
AI Redefining Economies While Introducing Vulnerabilities
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Segun Ogunsanya, said artificial intelligence is redefining economies and societies while simultaneously introducing new vulnerabilities. These include misinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, data leaks, and ethical risks in automated systems.
Ogunsanya noted that such threats are no longer theoretical, warning that AI-driven crises are faster, more complex, and often difficult to detect. He stressed that institutions must move beyond reactive responses to proactive resilience to effectively counter these challenges.
Technology Accelerating Crisis Speed and Intensity
Similarly, Lead Partner at CMC Connect LLP, Yomi Okusanya, highlighted that the nature of crises has fundamentally changed, with technology accelerating both their speed and intensity. He remarked, "Today, crises are faster than facts, louder than truth, and increasingly engineered."
During a panel session, experts further emphasized that trust and response speed are central to managing crises in the AI era. Chief Executive Officer of Cihan Communications, Celestine Achi, said organizations must prioritize building and sustaining trust, noting that reputational damage driven by artificial intelligence is increasingly difficult to quantify and recover from.
Aligning Internal Processes with Digital Disruptions
Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, advised that organizations must align internal processes with the speed of digital disruptions to avoid escalation. He underscored the need for agile strategies to keep pace with rapidly evolving threats.
Global Head of Marketing, English and School Education Programmes at the British Council, Edemekong Uyoh, emphasized the importance of human judgment, noting that data must be interpreted within context while ethical responsibility remains with people.
Growing Economic and Reputational Risks
Group CEO – South Asia, Middle East and Africa at Inicio Insights and Consulting, Himanshu Verma, pointed out that financial fraud losses reached nearly N150 billion in 2024, underscoring the growing economic and reputational risks associated with digital threats. This statistic highlights the urgent need for enhanced measures to combat AI-driven crises.
The consensus among experts is clear: as artificial intelligence continues to advance, institutions must bolster their crisis management frameworks, foster trust, and adopt proactive approaches to mitigate the escalating risks posed by digital technologies.
