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AKWA IBOM STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY LAUNCHES EMERGING TECHNOLOGY LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

 



The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of a comprehensive Emerging Technologies Legislative Framework designed to prepare the State for the next generation of digital and technological development.


The Framework comprises five proposed Bills covering Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Web3, Edge Computing and Internet of Things, Autonomous Robotics and Precision Drones, and Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Spatial Computing. Together, these technologies are increasingly becoming foundational infrastructure for the modern economy.


Hon. (Engr.) Uduak-Obong Ekpo-Ufot, the lead sponsor of the five Bills, has emphasised that the proposed legislation is intended to operate consistently with applicable Federal Government laws and other regulatory institutions.


The Framework is built around six strategic objectives as follows: Responsible Innovation — by creating an environment where businesses can innovate and Akwa Ibomites are protected from unreasonable risks; Digital Sovereignty — protecting the State’s critical infrastructure, public data, cultural assets and digital systems; Protection — protecting privacy, safety, consumer rights and fundamental rights in emerging digital environments; Economic Development — using emerging technologies to create jobs, attract investment and develop new industries; Increase Local Capacity — developing the State’s own pool of engineers, developers, researchers, entrepreneurs and technology professionals; Government Transformation — using emerging technologies to improve public administration, education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and service delivery.


In his words, “This set of Bills do not attempt to legislate against technology, but rather legislate for responsible technology. We are not simply protecting Akwa Ibom State from technology, but are preparing our dear State to benefit economically from technology by building the legislative foundation and legal infrastructure for the next generation of our physical and digital economy.


“Based on the fact that technology is no longer confined to computers and telecommunications, Artificial Intelligence is increasingly influencing decisions, Blockchain is changing digital transactions and trusted records, Internet of Things is connecting physical infrastructure, Robotics and drones are introducing autonomous physical activity and finally, Spatial Computing, Augmented and Virtual Reality are creating new digital environments.


“These developments create enormous opportunities but also introduce new risks, and the absence of appropriate rules may expose Akwa Ibomites, our businesses and the government infrastructure to Cyberattacks, Privacy Violations, Digital Fraud, Vulnerable Connected Infrastructure, Unauthorised Data Exploitation, Digital Impersonation, Unlawful Surveillance, Unsafe drone operations and exploitation of cultural and public digital assets.”


The Chairman, House Committee on Science and Technology, further hinted that upon completion of the legislative process — from second reading, public hearing and passage into law — Akwa Ibom State will be established as a leading Nigerian sub-national jurisdiction for responsible technological innovation, digital security, technology entrepreneurship and inclusive digital transformation.

The Framework, therefore, seeks to move Akwa Ibom from being merely a consumer of emerging technologies to becoming a developer, adopter, regulator and exporter of technology-enabled solutions.


The Bills are available at the Etinan State Constituency website: https://etinansc.com/legislative-matters⁠, and the general public is invited to submit comments and inputs in advance before the public hearing, with the date to be announced in due course.

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