Odidiomo Champions Robust Digital Policy Framework To Boost Innovation, Protect Citizens

Chairman, House of Representatives committee on Digital, Information Technology and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, has reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to enacting legislations that will position Nigeria to harness the opportunities of the rapidly evolving digital economy while safeguarding citizens’ rights and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Olajide stated this at the two day National Assembly Digital Policy Retreat, held at Zuma Rock Resort, Minna, Niger state, under the theme, “Building a Future Ready Legislative Framework: Digital Innovation, Safety and Economic Growth.”

The retreat was organized by the National Assembly in partnership with Meta and the Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), bringing together federal lawmakers, technology experts, policy advocates and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Speaking during the retreat, the Chairman of the House Committee on Digital and Information Technology and Cybersecurity said the programme aligns with the federal government’s National Digital Agenda and reflects the determination of the legislature to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology through responsive lawmaking.

According to him, the increasing influence of digital technologies on governance, commerce, education, security and social interaction reinforces the need for legislative frameworks capable of addressing emerging challenges while creating an enabling environment for innovation to flourish.

Olajide stressed that the National Assembly remains committed to developing legislation that encourages technological advancement, protects digital rights, promotes responsible innovation and strengthens Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

“The retreat is in line with the National Digital Agenda and reflects our determination as lawmakers to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology. As legislators, we must ensure that our legal frameworks are dynamic enough to respond to emerging digital realities while creating opportunities for innovation, investment and inclusive economic growth,” he said.

He explained that digital transformation has become a major driver of national development, making it imperative for lawmakers to continuously engage industry experts, technology companies and policy stakeholders in developing legislation that meets international standards and addresses Nigeria’s peculiar needs.

The retreat featured extensive deliberations on critical areas driving Nigeria’s digital future, including leveraging digital platforms for policy engagement and public participation, balancing freedom of expression with platform accountability, enhancing data protection and privacy, developing ethical governance frameworks for Artificial Intelligence, future proofing digital legislation and aligning Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda with long term national development priorities.