NASS seeks protection of Nigeria’s cyberspace as Senators, Reps go digital

The National Assembly through Senate and House of Representatives Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity, took digital step on Monday towards securing the Nation’s cyberspace.

Members of the Committees at both Chambers in line with the National Assembly Digital Summit, converged at Zuma Resort for three – day retreat sponsored by Meta.

In his speech at the retreat themed: “Building a Future – Ready Legislative Framework : Digital Innovation , Safety & Economic Growth”, the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber security, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Ogun Central), said it was geared towards making federal lawmakers more digitally literate and by extension, Nigerians.

Cyber space according to him, need not be left fallow for any form of misuse by anybody or group of people as done with physical space in the country, part of which are categorised as ungoverned and used by criminally minded people to perpetrate crime in the country.

“Members of both committees are gathered here today to upgrade their knowledge and skills on usage of the various digital applications for effective and efficient participation in the cyberspace which must not be left fallow for misusers the way some part of physical space were taken over by criminals in the land.

“This retreat is also being held for members of the committees at both Chambers and their Secretariat staff, ahead of public hearing on the Bill on Cybercrimes,” he said.

In his own remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on ICT and Cyber security, Hon Adedeji Stanley Olajidev, said the retreat was in line with National Digital Agenda towards keeping pace rapid evolution of technology.

“This retreat is organised by ICT and Cyber security committees at both chambers to enrich knowledge of members and enhance their capacity towards strengthening Nigeria Digital Policy Framework,” he said.