LEGISLATURE

A'IBOM ASSEMBLY PASSES LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING BUREAU FOR ICT, INNOVATION AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

By Julius Nsikak -  Uyo

Speaker Otong

Hon. Ekpo-Ufot

A bill to establish the Akwa Ibom State Bureau for ICT, Innovation and Emerging Technologies (AKBICT) has recently been passed into law by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. 

The legislation, which was adopted following a report by the House Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by the member representing Etinan State Constituency, Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, seeks to coordinate and standardise ICT-related assets across the state.

The objectives and functions of the Bureau include coordinating, owning, administering, and strategically planning ICT-related assets, as well as maintaining and managing official websites and domain names. 

The Bureau aims to also liaise with federal and international agencies, such as the Nigerian Communications Commission and the National Information Technology Development Agency, to boost tech-related discourse.

Furthermore, the Bureau will create a framework for planning, research, and development of information technology practices and systems, with a view to providing universal access to information technology in rural, urban, and underserved areas. 

The legislation was unanimously upheld by lawmakers at the Committee of the Whole, chaired by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, who directed the Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs. Nsikak Orok , to communicate the development to the Governor, Pastor  Umo Eno, for further action.