NASS Will Not Review Social Media Regulation Bill- Senate President

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio says the 10th National Assembly may not review the bill on the regulation of the social media since there are laws already in place to guide the use of the media.

Senator Akpabio spoke at the opening ceremony of the Africa Internet  Governance Parliamentarian Symposium of the ongoing African Internet Governance Forum, AIGF holding in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital with the theme “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation”  

Speaking through the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT, Senator Shuiab Salisu, he said, “I am not sure that there’s going to be any specific bill on social media regulation. However, there are existing laws in various areas the guide the social media and social media is just one space. 

“So rather than have a specific legislation on social media. I will rather say social media is just one platform. The same way people have used regular media regular platform, to commit libel,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Senator Akpabio said the theme is a reflection of the deepest yearnings of all Africa for concerted efforts to keep in step with the rest of the world in the ICT race.

“This reality has compelled this convocation to seek ways to develop, apply and arrive at shared norms, rules, decision-making procedures and other activities that would impact on the evolution and utilization of the internet,” he noted.

The Senate President said the symposium marks a pivotal moment for Africa in it’s efforts to bridge the digital divide.

“We now live in a digital world and the significance of the Internet and digital policy in shaping the future of our nations and the African continent at large is not lost on us.

“It is noteworthy that the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AflGF) has been a booster in championing regional conversations on digital policy issues.

“I understand that this symposium’s focus, “The Parliamentarians’ Contribution to Shaping Digital Trust on the African Continent” will elaborate on the crucial role each and every one of us in this hall should play in creating a digital future marked by inclusivity, security, and innovation,” he explained.

Innovative Youthful Population

On his part, Senator Shuaibu noted that Nigeria’s greatest resource is an innovative youthful population which has placed Africa in position to lead the 4th Industrial Revolution.

“We also let them realize that Africa may have missed out in the first industrial revolution, the second, and third but not on the fourth industrial revolution that is based on digital competence, and knowledge system. Africa, is placed in position to lead this digital revolution. 

“whereas other continent’s populations are an aging population? Africa has a youthful population? In particular, as an example, almost 70% of Nigeria’s population are youths. What does this mean? It means the youths can learn new technologies to use, “he affirmed.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and cybersecurity gave the assurance that the National Assembly would give legislative support to ensure Nigeria harnesses the potentials in the emerging technologies by creating enabling laws.

He also advocated for more awareness among citizens on Digital Public Infrastructure, DPI.

Voice of Nigeria reports that DPI is a digital network that enables countries to safely and efficiently deliver economic opportunities and social services to all residents.

He said “I think a lot of things are happening that we need to also create awareness among the citizens.I will work together with my colleague in the House of Representatives and we’re going to work together to drive an agenda that will ensure that our country Nigeria begins the trajectory to greatness using technology as an enabler to regulate social future,” he added .

The Secretary General AIGF and a member Ghanaian Parliament, Hon. Samuel George said Africa is on track to implementing internet governance and building digital infrastructure

“Governments on the African continent are doing a fantastic job when it comes to the processes of digitalisation. We’re seeing a lot more government services becoming digitalised; social services, government services, health care, justice, are becoming digital platforms.

According to Mr. George, in the West African sub region, Nigeria is leading  “So we believe that governments are doing well”

Speaking on the challenges He said, one one of the challenges faced by government in Africa is lack of insight on Digital Public Infrastructure.

He said “As a Politician myself, I know that we have the challenge and that’s one of the things we reach out to the media on, that you need to help us understand the value of digital infrastructure. Because if a politician comes in and says that we passed a digital rights bill to them he’s not done anything as opposed to when he builds a hospital.

“So those are the things that influence the decisions that politicians make. so instead of putting in more resources into digital rights, which affect everything you do online right now, they rather focus on bricks and physical infrastructure. 

“So you help us to raise the issues of digital rights and digital frameworks.On resources in cybersecurity and digital rights protection. We need the states to have cyber police station of some sorts that takes care of non-state actors and state actors online.

“You’re talking about legislation and creating safe spaces on the internet and making sure that governments have the right framework for internet problems and the safety of citizens digital rights,” he added.

 

Confidence Okwuchi