The House of Representatives on Wednesday pledged to push Nigeria’s information technology potential to the global forefront through relevant and critical legislation.
This is just as the Green Chamber emphasised the need for all sectors of the economy to embrace Information and Communication Technology to transform Nigeria into an advanced nation.
The Chairman, House Committee on Information Technology, Adedeji Stanley, stated this at the inaugural meeting of the committee on Wednesday.
He said, “Let us seize this opportunity to drive the information technology sector to the forefront of our national development. Our collective efforts will be geared towards ensuring that all sectors align with the information technology mandate, and we are committed to introducing legislation that will transform our nation into a true IT-driven powerhouse.
“Let us move forward with the conviction that our work in this committee will be instrumental in shaping a more connected and secure future for our dear country. Together, we can make a profound difference in the Information Technology landscape, bringing our nation to the forefront of global technological advancement.”
According to him, the jurisdiction of the committee include but not limited to oversight of “The ministry responsible for communications technology, save those assigned to other committees; formulation of a comprehensive national policy which shall ensure compliance with communications technology in Nigeria; liaising with other committees whose functions or areas of oversight are closely or directly related to Information Technology.
“Liaising with other committees to promote and actualize information technology in Nigeria; advising the House on information technology issues requiring legislation or review of existing legislations on information technology to bring them into conformity with international best practices and all matters concerning information technology development and utilization in Nigeria and all matters relating to information technology control.”
He further stressed that the work of the committee will be instrumental in shaping a more connected and secure future for Nigeria.
The committee’s oversight covers Galaxy Backbone Limited, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Nigeria Communication Satellite, Satellite Usages, National Information Technology Development Agency, and Annual Budget Estimates.
In collaboration with NITDA, the House Committee on Information Technology will oversee the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Nigeria Internet Registration Association.”
He called on members of the committee to have a sense of belonging adding that together, Nigeria will reap the mileage of their work if they approach the assignment with all seriousness
