Senate advances bill to establish national ICT centre in Enugu

A bill seeking to establish the National Centre for Information and Communication Technology in Nkanu, Enugu state, has passed for second reading in the senate.

The bill was sponsored by Kelvin Chukwu, senator reprsenting Enugu east.

Leading the debate during Wednesday’s plenary, Chukwu said the bill aims to create a world-class institution for training, innovation, and research in emerging digital fields.

He said information and communication technology has become central to economic growth, governance, education, health and global competitiveness.

“Nigeria’s large youthful population presents a significant opportunity to expand the digital economy but that access to ICT training remains uneven across regions,” he said.

Chukwu said the proposed centre would develop capacity in software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, robotics, and other digital skills.

He said the institution would also promote digital entrepreneurship and support startup incubation to create jobs and encourage economic diversification.

The lawmaker said the centre would prioritise digital literacy for women, persons with disabilities, and rural communities to enhance inclusion.

Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, seconded the motion and said the centre would benefit all Nigerians.

Oshiomhole said establishing institutions in rural areas would reduce urban migration and strengthen national unity.

Diket Plang, senator representing Plateau central, said increasing ICT access was necessary for education, communication, and remote learning. He added that the project should be replicated across all geopolitical zones.

Osita Ngwu, senator representing Enugu west, said expanding ICT capacity is key to empowering young people and reducing crime by improving access to employment opportunities.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Chukwu for sponsoring the bill, and said the centre would be “life-changing” for young Nigerians.

The bill was referred to the senate committee on ICT and cyber security to report back in four weeks.