An ICT expert, Jimson Olufuye, on Monday stressed the need for lawmakers to be actively involved in internet governance processes.

Mr Olufuye said legislative participation was vital to crafting policies that protect citizens and drive digital innovation.

He noted that parliamentarians play a key role in advancing digital transformation through informed legislative efforts.

Mr Olufuye highlighted the global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a UN initiative launched in 2006 after the 2005 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

He said the IGF now includes regional and national editions to address specific local digital governance challenges.

Reflecting on the recent West African IGF, he said the forum enabled dialogue among governments, civil society, academia and the private sector.

“The parliamentarians make political laws, and laws are what properly guide a country.

“In this digital age, lawmakers must be involved, as they initiate and implement laws that shape society,” he said.

He said many digital laws still need to be passed, especially to foster innovation across West Africa.

Mr Olufuye identified key legislative areas, including data protection, cybercrime, child online safety, cybersecurity and cross-border data regulation.

“Parliamentarians enact legal frameworks that support digital rights, national online security and technological innovation,” he explained.

He noted that IGF forums help lawmakers share best legislative practices and harmonise digital laws across ECOWAS countries.

“ECOWAS turns 50 this year. As we push for free movement, we must also pursue cross-border digital collaboration,” he said.

He urged more inclusive Nigerian delegations to global digital forums involving legislators, civil society, academia, the private sector and technical experts.

(NAN)