Responsible AI in Human Resource Management: Strategic Opportunities, Governance Challenges, and the Nigerian Experience

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping Human Resource Management (HRM), creating new opportunities for organisations to improve recruitment, workforce planning, employee development, and decision-making. At the same time, growing concerns regarding fairness, transparency, accountability, and employee trust have raised important questions about the responsible use of AI in people management, particularly within emerging market environments. This paper examines the strategic opportunities and ethical challenges associated with AI adoption in HRM, with specific attention to the Nigerian context. The objective is to explore how organisations can leverage AI to improve HR effectiveness while addressing the governance and ethical concerns that accompany its use. The study adopts a narrative review approach, drawing on contemporary academic and professional literature on AI, HRM, organisational governance, and emerging market realities. The review focuses on the interaction between technological capability, organisational readiness, workforce competence, institutional conditions, and ethical oversight. The analysis indicates that while AI offers significant potential to enhance organisational effectiveness and support evidence-based HR decision-making, its successful adoption depends on more than technological investment. Factors such as governance structures, workforce capability, digital infrastructure, regulatory readiness, transparency, and stakeholder trust play a critical role in determining outcomes. The Nigerian context presents both opportunities and constraints that require careful consideration. The paper concludes that sustainable value from AI-enabled HRM can only be achieved through a human-centred approach that balances innovation with accountability, ethical governance, and responsible leadership. Practical recommendations are offered for HR professionals, organisational leaders, policymakers, and regulators seeking to promote responsible AI adoption in people management.