Adamawa State House of Assembly on Monday, considered and adopted a report of its Ad hoc Committee on a bill for a law to estalish an Information Technology Development Agency (ADSITDA).
The consideration and adoption of the report followed its presentation by the Chairman of the Committee and member representing Maiha constituency, Hon. Ahmed Jingi Belel.
The bill is tagged,” A bill for a law to establish the Adamawa State Information Technology Development Agency law, 2023 and to provide for matters incidental thereto”.
Floated by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the bill is aimed at creating an agency saddled with the responsibility of harmonising as well as regulating the activities of information technology in the state.
In its report, the committee told the assembly that bill will create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Adamawa State.
According to the committee, the bill is crafted to build a digital economy and provide universal access to Information Technology and systems penetration including rural, urban and under-served areas.
Equally, it said it will provide guidelines to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure for Information Technology and system application and development for public and private sectors, urban-rural development, the economy and the government.
The committee added that the legislation will create incentives to promote the use of Information Technology in all spheres of life in Adamawa State including setting up of Information Technology parks.
After considering the report, the lawmakers unanimously adopted it following a motion to that effect by the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ahmed Jingi Belel.
Thereafter, the Speaker of the assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, who presided over the plenary, directed the Chairman Rules and Business to schedule it for third reading at next legislative day.
Speaking on the merit of the bill shortly after sitting, Hon. Ahmed Jingi Belel, disclosed that the state is in dire need of the agency because it has been left behind.
Hon. Ahmed noted that the agency will coordinate ICT, create job opportunities, awareness, explaining that its membership will be drawn from State University Mubi, State Polytechnic as well as other state owned institutions.
The PDP lawmaker said that the establishment of the agency has been captured in the 2024 approved budget, and commended the sponsor of the bill.
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