The House of Representatives on Wednesday affirmed its readiness in bringing Nigeria to the forefront of global technological advancement and to make a profound difference in the Information Technology landscape
This is even as the House mandated all to ensure 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.
Adedeji Stanley, the Chairman House Committee on Information Technology gave the affirmation in his address at the inugural meeting of the Committee.
The Lawmaker informed the committee 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, 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, all matters concerning Information Technology development and utilization in Nigeria and all matters relating to Information Technology Control.
“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
“I wish to emphasize that I do not take this privilege lightly, and I am deeply committed to the task ahead. As fellow members of this esteemed committee, we are shareholders in the journey that lies before us. Rest assured, I am fully dedicated to fostering an environment of justice and fairness, regardless of any perceived differences among us. Our guiding principles will be the House Rules and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I must also express my gratitude to the Honorable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for entrusting us with the substantial responsibility of ensuring that this Committee extracts the best from the agencies under its purview.
“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.
Adedeji Stanley 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 the national development.
“I extend my hand of fellowship to each and every one of you, urging us to seize this opportunity to drive the Information Technology sectors 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” he added.
