The Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity Senator Shauib Salisu has said that the National Assembly is working to harmonise key digital economy bills to ensure consistency in the country’s legal framework for technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and electronic transactions.
Speaking at the close session of the public hearing on the Bill to alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (SB. 648), and a bill to establish an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State. organised by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, the Chairman, disclosed that the Senate is currently considering a National Data Economy and E-Government Bill, which seeks to provide greater certainty for electronic transactions, mandate government agencies to digitise their operations, establish digital trust, and create a framework for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in Nigeria.
He also revealed that another proposed legislation, the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Bill, is being developed alongside other reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity architecture.
According to him, the National Assembly is determined to avoid enacting overlapping or conflicting digital laws.
“It is not our intention as the National Assembly to enact laws in silos. We want to ensure there is consistency among the laws, while protecting the national interest,” he said.
The committee chairman cited global digital platforms such as Booking.com, Uber and Temu as examples of companies providing services across borders without extensive physical offices in many countries, noting that such realities should be considered in Nigeria’s legislative framework, particularly regarding data controllers and digital service providers.
Drawing from his professional background as a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society and a former technology and operations executive in the banking sector, he stressed the need to strike a balance between innovation, public expectations and effective regulation.
He assured stakeholders that all submissions from the engagement would be carefully considered as the National Assembly finalises the proposed legislation.
The session concluded with an invitation to Dr. Bashorun Abiola to deliver remarks on behalf of Nigerian IT practitioners in the diaspora, particularly those based in the United States.
