In yet another stride towards regional digital leadership, Nigeria’s House of Representatives has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing inclusive, secure, and rights-based digital governance across West Africa.
This comes following a successful participation in the Sub-Regional Parliamentary Track of the 2025 West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) — a high-level gathering held in Abuja from Thursday, May 22 to Friday, May 23, 2025.
Representing Nigeria was a powerful delegation led by Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Chairman, House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity. Known fondly as Odidiomo, Hon. Olajide’s presence and input left a mark, as lawmakers from across ten West African nations came together to adopt the “Parliamentary Declaration on Digital Governance in West Africa.”
“As custodians of the democratic mandate, we are committed to not only driving digital innovation, but also safeguarding the rights and data of our people. Nigeria will not lag behind in shaping the future of digital governance in Africa,” Odidiomo emphasized during the session.
The Declaration outlined twelve bold resolutions, ranging from data sovereignty and AI ethics to youth inclusion and regional cooperation. These pillars speak directly to Hon. Olajide’s passion for building digital capacity and creating opportunities for all — especially the youth and underserved communities.
Among the key resolutions:
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Capacity Building for lawmakers on digital technologies and oversight
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Youth Engagement to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and policy input
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Legislative Harmonisation to support regional digital unity and cybersecurity
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Data Sovereignty Laws protecting local control and responsible exchange
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Budget Support for ongoing legislative training and digital participation
This commitment is not new. Hon. Olajide has consistently pushed for digital equity through constituency programs, skill-building initiatives, and forward-looking legislative motions — reflecting his belief that digital literacy and governance must be people-centered, inclusive, and future-ready.
The Nigerian House also encouraged stronger alliances among ECOWAS institutions, IGF platforms, private sector players, youth groups, and civil society to deepen regional impact.
“The digital world doesn’t wait. That’s why as a country and as a region, we must lead with vision, responsibility, and unity,” Hon. Olajide remarked.
This moment is more than a forum — it’s a reminder that Nigeria’s digital future is already being shaped today, in rooms where voices like Hon. Olajide’s speak not just for technology, but for the people it must serve.
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