HOR Commits To Making Impact On ICT Landscape

By Oduyemi Odumade

The House of Representatives has expressed its commitment to positioning Nigeria at the forefront of global technological advancement and making a significant impact on the Information Technology landscape.

The Chairman House Committee on Information Technology, Adedeji Stanley stated this at the inugural meeting of the Committee.

According to him, the House calls for collective efforts geared towards ensuring that all sectors align with the Information Technology mandate and to introduce legislation that will transform the nation into a true IT-driven powerhouse.

The Lawmaker informed the committee’s dedication in fostering an environment of justice and fairness, regardless of any perceived differences among them, pointing out that their guiding principles will be the House Rules and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He mentioned that the jurisdiction of the Committee shall include but not limited to Oversight of the Ministry responsible for Communications Technology, 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, all matters concerning Information Technology development and utilization in Nigeria and all matters relating to Information Technology Control.

“Our committee’s oversight extends to the following agencies:

i. Galaxy Backbone Limited;

ii. Nigeria Data Protection Commission; Nigeria Communication Satellite;

iv. Satellite Usages;

V. National Information Technology Development Agency:

vi. Annual Budget Estimates.

Additionally, within NITDA, we will oversee the following subsidiaries:

• Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation

• National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Nigeria Internet Registration Association” he noted.

The Lawmaker was of the opinion that the Committee members would actively work to ensure the optimal performance of the agencies, timely provision of necessary documents for crucial step to facilitate meaningful interactions during their engagements with the agencies while urging all to seize the opportunity to drive the Information Technology sectors to the forefront of national development.

Edited By Grace Namiji