Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
July 31, 2025
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has said the national parliament opened further its legislative activities to the public, especially the youth, using digital channels.
These digital platforms, he noted, have informed, empowered, and protected the rights of the people.
Speaker Abbas made this known in his contribution to the debate on ‘The Role of Parliaments in Shaping Our Digital Future’ at the ongoing 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments organised by the International Parliamentary Union (IPU)/United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
He emphasised the critical role parliaments must play in forging a just, inclusive, and secure digital future.
He said: “Nigeria is dedicated to promoting digital rights, safety, and inclusion through proactive legislation. We have implemented key laws, such as the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the amended Cybercrime Bill, which strengthen confidence in our digital infrastructure and update our legal framework to meet modern challenges.
“Our digital transformation is not solely about technology; it prioritises empowering people, expanding access, and protecting rights. Through efforts like the National Assembly Open Week, we have connected with over 7,000 citizens, especially youth, via digital platforms to encourage participation.”
Speaker Abbas also noted that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill reflects the Nigerian parliament’s commitment to ensuring digital policies promote gender equity and inclusivity.
“Africa must not remain a passive recipient of foreign technologies or a laboratory for digital trials. We must actively shape the global digital landscape. Nigeria proposes establishing a Global Parliamentary Forum on Artificial Intelligence to foster collaboration among parliaments on AI governance, craft ethical guidelines that uphold human rights, and create shared accountability frameworks,” he said.
The Speaker urged other parliamentarians to seize the opportunity, transcend routine oversight, and become forward-thinking legislators who advocate for digital governance rooted in equity, justice, and human dignity.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
