House Committee on Communications

This article is about the House Committee on Communications in Nigeria. For other committees in Nigeria, see List of committees of the National Assembly of Nigeria. For related U.S. committee, see United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

House Committee on Communications

House committee overseeing communications and information technology in Nigeria
Abbreviation	HCC
Founder	National Assembly of Nigeria
Type	Standing Committee
Legal status	Active
Purpose	Legislative oversight on communications, information technology, and telecommunications policy implementation
Headquarters	National Assembly, Abuja, Nigeria
Region served	Nigeria
Official language	English
Chairman	Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi
Deputy Chairman	Unyime Idem
Main organ	Federal House of Representatives
Parent organization	National Assembly of Nigeria
Affiliations	Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nigerian Communications Commission
Website	www.nass.gov.ng
Remarks	Oversees Nigeria's communications sector, including telecommunications and information technology services

The House Committee on Communications is a standing committee of the Nigerian National Assembly tasked with legislative oversight of the communications sector, including telecommunications, information technology, and digital economy policies.

Established under the provisions of the National Assembly Act, the committee plays a role in shaping Nigeria's communications framework, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and fostering sectoral growth. It collaborates with key agencies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), among others, to advance Nigeria's communications infrastructure and promote accessibility across the nation.[1]

History

The committee was established to oversee legislative matters related to the communications sector. Its creation aligns with the provisions of Section 62(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria:

"Each House of the National Assembly shall have a Committee or Committees to which shall be referred all such matters as may be referred to it by the House."

This empowers the National Assembly to establish committees for specialized functions. It was formed to provide legislative oversight, ensure effective policy implementation, and support the development of Nigeria's communications infrastructure.[2]

Over the years, the committee has significantly advanced Nigeria's telecommunications and digital landscape by collaborating with key government agencies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). These collaborations have helped shape policies to regulate the communications sector, expand access to technology, and foster innovation.[3]

It responsibilities include scrutinizing proposed legislation, monitoring the implementation of government policies, and ensuring compliance with international standards. It also addresses digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development issues to support Nigeria's transition into a global digital economy.[4]

Leadership

The committee is chaired by Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi in the current 10th Assembly (2023–2027), with Hon. Unyime Idem serving as the deputy chairman.[5]

See also

• Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
• House Committee on Finance (Nigeria)
• House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management
• Nigerian Communications Commission
• National Assembly of Nigeria

References

1. "Lawmakers seek public input on digital economy, e-governance bill". Punch Nigeria. 2024-06-06. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
2. "Digital Economy: Communications Minister Projects N18.3bn Revenue Generation by 2026". This day live. This day live. 2024-07-03. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
3. "Reps to amend standing orders for e-petitions". Punch Nigeria. Punch Nigeria. 2023-07-29. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
4. "Senate approves Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Iwo". Nigeria National Assembly. Nass. Retrieved 2025-01-08.
5. Bakare (2023-11-04). "Reps committee sets agenda on ICT, plans to make Nigeria "IT superpower"". Premium Times. Premium Times. Retrieved 2025-01-07.