NITDA Bill: A Call for Transparency and Accountability
Leaked Proposed Bill Raises Concerns
Stakeholders Demand Clarity and Clarification
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) bill, which has been circulating in draft form, is drawing concern from stakeholders in the Nigerian tech industry. The proposed legislation, which is modeled after the 2007 Act that established NITDA, aims to expand the agency's powers and responsibilities.
However, a leaked copy of the proposed bill has raised concerns that NITDA may be shifting its focus away from its core mandate of promoting digital literacy and innovation. Stakeholders believe that the bill gives the agency excessive powers to regulate the tech industry and control online content.
One particular concern is the proposed establishment of a National Information and Technology Development Council, which would be chaired by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and have broad powers to regulate the tech industry. Stakeholders argue that this concentration of power could stifle innovation and limit the growth of Nigerian tech companies.
The NITDA bill is still in its early stages of development, and it is unclear when it will be presented to the National Assembly for debate. However, stakeholders are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the drafting process. They are demanding that the government involve the tech industry in the development of the bill and that the final version be made public for scrutiny before it is passed into law.
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