By Blessing Emmanuel, Abuja
A Federal lawmaker representing Ibadan North in Oyo State, and the House Committee Chairman for ICT and Cybersecurity, Honourable Adedejide Enyiolajide has called for the automation of legislative processes.
The lawmaker made this known while speaking at the Press Conference of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to mark the global privacy day.
Speaking, he said, “As legislators, our constitutional role involves collecting a significant amount of documents and data. It’s paramount that the methods we employ in data collection adhere to the standards of data privacy and protection.”
The legislator emphasised the need for automation within the National Assembly, signaling a paradigm shift in the way government agencies, and even the media, interact with legislative processes.
“In transforming the way we do business, automation will be our ally. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about safeguarding the sensitive data we handle,” Honourable Adejide asserted.
The integration of automated processes is anticipated to enhance transparency, streamline operations, and fortify data protection measures.
Reflecting on the current state of the nation, Honourable Enyiolajide expressed optimism about the transformative journey ahead.
“We are on the cusp of a significant transformation. It’s not just a lofty idea; it’s a practical and achievable goal. However, for this transformation to succeed, we need to ensure that people are well-trained and have access to the right information,” he remarked.
Drawing attention to a common loophole in data protection, the legislator highlighted the vulnerability posed by inaccurate data registration practices, even in seemingly mundane scenarios.
“Consider a scenario where individuals log their information at various service points. It’s alarming that this data, if not handled properly, can be exploited. We need to protect across the board, from the corridors of power to the service providers and beyond,” he cautioned.
Acknowledging the prevalence of data monetization, Honourable Enyiolajide also raised concerns about the potential misuse of personal information.
He said, “Even seemingly inconspicuous data, like that collected during routine activities, can be sold in the wrong hands. We must be vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard against such practices.”
The lawmaker also restated the commitment of the House of Representatives to lead the charge in embracing technology for the betterment of legislative processes emphasising that a collective shift in business practices and IT strategies is imperative for a future where data privacy is sacrosanct.