Senate meets with telecom, ICT experts ahead of security summit

The Senate has held an interactive session with critical stakeholders from various sectors to harmonise ideas and agenda for the forthcoming two-day national security summit.  Experts and key players from the telecommunications, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), security and other sectors were brought together at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja for the interactive session […]

The Senate has held an interactive session with critical stakeholders from various sectors to harmonise ideas and agenda for the forthcoming two-day national security summit. 

Experts and key players from the telecommunications, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), security and other sectors were brought together at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja for the interactive session with the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, led by Senator Afolabi Shuaib.

The session was officially declared open by the Senate Leader,  Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central). 

Speaking during the event, Senator Shuaib (Ogun Central) said, “Technology has become a double-edged sword.”  He said, “While it fuels economic growth, it’s also being hijacked to power kidnapping, cyber fraud, and online harassment.  If we don’t act now, we will be chasing shadows at the summit.”

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In his opening remarks, Senator Bamidele said, “We are here to listen, to learn and to legislate better. The Renewed Hope Agenda places technology at the heart of our national development.  But we cannot reap its full benefits unless we build digital safety into the foundation.”

Senator Ned Nwoko, however,  questioned the absence of social media giants like Facebook and Instagram at the event. “Would having them physically present in Nigeria improve collaboration and data access for tracking crimes? Should we compel them to establish offices here?” he asked. 

Weekend Trust reports that the interactive session was designed to identify gaps, harness sectoral insights and shape the agenda for the national security summit.