Abuja: An ICT expert, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, on Monday emphasized the importance of involving lawmakers in internet governance processes.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olufuye stated that legislative participation is crucial for crafting policies that protect citizens and drive digital innovation.

Olufuye noted that parliamentarians play a significant role in advancing digital transformation through informed legislative efforts. He highlighted the global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a UN initiative launched in 2006 after the 2005 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), which now includes regional and national editions to address specific local digital governance challenges.

Reflecting on the recent West African IGF, he explained that the forum facilitated dialogue among governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector. He stressed the importance of lawmakers in the digital age, as they are responsible for initiating and implementing laws that shape society. He pointed out the necessity of passing many digital laws to foster innovation across West Africa.

Olufuye identified several key legislative areas that require attention, such as data protection, cybercrime, child online safety, cybersecurity, and cross-border data regulation. He explained that parliamentarians enact legal frameworks supporting digital rights, national online security, and technological innovation. He also noted that IGF forums help lawmakers share best legislative practices and harmonize digital laws across ECOWAS countries.

As ECOWAS turns 50 this year, Olufuye emphasized the need to pursue cross-border digital collaboration alongside the push for free movement. He urged for more inclusive Nigerian delegations to global digital forums, involving legislators, civil society, academia, the private sector, and technical experts.