No Review for Social Media Regulation Bill, Nigerian Senate President Declares

No Review for Social Media Regulation Bill, Nigerian Senate President Declares

Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Committee Chairman on ICT Sen. Shuiab Salisu, has announced that the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria will not review the social media regulation bill. The decision is based on the existence of established laws that govern the use of media. This information was conveyed during the Parliamentarian Symposium of the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AIGF), hosted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The theme for the AIGF Symposium was “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation.” According to Akpabio, this theme resonates with the aspirations of Africans to keep pace with global ICT advancements. Rather than proposing specific legislation for social media, Akpabio suggested that social media is just one of many platforms and should be regulated as such.

With a nod towards Africa’s youthful demographic, Akpabio indicated that while the continent might have missed the first three industrial revolutions, it is primed to spearhead the ongoing digital revolution. He pledged his commitment to collaborate with his colleagues to ensure Nigeria harnesses technology as a driver for future development.

Nigeria’s Leader Role in Digitalization

Speaking on the topic of internet governance in Africa, AIGF Secretary-General and Ghanaian Parliament member Hon. Samuel George applauded African governments, particularly Nigeria, for their strides towards digitalization. He noted the visible shift towards digitalizing social and government services, healthcare, and justice.

However, Hon Samuel George also highlighted a prevalent issue in the African political landscape. He pointed out that citizens often place higher value on physical infrastructure than on digital rights, consequently influencing political decisions. He advocated for greater investment in digital rights and digital frameworks, emphasizing their crucial role in the online space and for citizen safety.

George called for legislation that creates safe online spaces and ensures governments have the appropriate framework for addressing internet-related issues. His call to action underscores the importance of digital rights in an increasingly connected world, where the internet plays an integral part in daily life.