Masari Calls for Better Regulation of ICT, Telecoms, Social Media

Udora Orizu in Abuja

I Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has advocated stricter regulation of the ICT and telecom sectors to guard against cyber-crimes, abuse of social media, and other activities that could threaten national security.

Masari made the call when he received the National Council on Communications led by the Minister of Communictations, Mr. Adebayo Shitu.

The National Council on Communications was in Katsina for its annual conference which is attended by all stakeholders in the information and communication sector from all states of the country.

Masari urged the council to look into the issue of breach in the use of ICT, social media, and telecom services which he said were grossly under-regulated, leading to cracks in personal privacy and security, thereby posing a threat to family, community and national life.

Masari decried the prevalence of hackers on the prowl, who use peoples phone numbers and social media accounts to extort money and other personal favours form others.

The governor blamed telecom operators for placing commercial gain over social responsibility and national security, and decried what he described as poor regulation of the industry.

Earlier, the Minister of Communications, Mr. Bayo Shiyu said this year’s conference of the National Council on Communications will focus on the need for Nigeria to catch up with global advancements in ICT and the need to adopt best practices in the operation and regulation of the sector.

He said the current federal administration was working on plans to expand the ICT sector and enhance its capacity to create jobs for Nigerians through effective partnership with the private sector.

The minister said this year’s conference will produce a blueprint for utilisation of the ICT sector for national development.