Reps Call For Informed Reporting On Digital Economy Bills

Reps Call For Informed Reporting On Digital Ecof byThe House of Representatives has called for improved capacity among journalists to scrutinise digital and technology-related legislation as the country expands its legal framework for the digital economy.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Akintunde Rotimi, made the call at a one-day joint retreat for parliamentary correspondents and media aides in Abuja.

The retreat was organised in partnership with a civil society group, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria.

According to Rotimi, the growing complexity of digital governance including laws on data protection, cybercrime and artificial intelligence required informed and technically sound reporting to promote transparency and accountability.

He said the House remains committed to safeguarding citizens’ digital rights through effective legislation, noting that clear public communication is essential to strengthening trust in government.

“Democracy works best when citizens are properly informed. Access to clear and reliable information is critical for meaningful public engagement and accountability,” Rotimi said.

He urged journalists and parliamentary media teams to report digital legislation with balance and technical understanding to ensure Nigerians fully understand its implications.

The Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, Mr Gbenga Sesan, said Nigeria’s ambition of achieving a trillion-dollar economy depends on strong digital security and governance.

He called on the National Assembly to prioritise key digital bills, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act, the Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Bills, the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, amendments to the Cybercrimes Act, and the Child Online Access Protection Bill.

Chairman of the House Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, said journalists now operate in a rapidly evolving digital environment and must adapt to remain effective,
adding that the Corps is committed not only to reporting parliamentary activities but to presenting its work clearly, accessibly, and relevantly to all Nigerians.

“The media now work in an ecosystem shaped by data, algorithms, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and online rights,” he said, adding that the Corps is committed to presenting parliamentary activities in a clear, accessible and relevant manner for Nigerians.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji