The Senator representing Ogun Central in the National Assembly, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, has called for the creation of an African Payment System to simplify and centralize transactions for goods and services across the continent.
Salisu, who chairs the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, made this appeal at the 13th African Internet Governance Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He underscored the significance of such a system as a vital step in achieving the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
He stressed the need for prioritizing an African payment system at the forum. “When discussing digital technology and cross-border data flows, we must also ensure seamless money transfers. For instance, making payments for services in Ethiopia remains challenging. Pursuing an African global payment system is crucial to facilitate trade and services. This is vital for the success of the continental free trade agreement and the digital economy we are developing. People must be able to pay for services and move freely across African nations,” Salisu explained.
The Senator also called for unrestricted movement of Africans within the continent, asserting that technological advancements must align with mobility ease. He criticized the current scenario where only select individuals with diplomatic passports experience unrestricted access at African airports. “Mr. Chairman, it is unfortunate that my attendance at this forum was only possible due to my diplomatic passport. Many Nigerians and other African parliamentarians face obstacles in gaining access to African Union events. Some delegates remain stranded at airports, awaiting clearance. As we integrate technology, we must simultaneously integrate our people by enabling free movement across Africa,” he urged.
Highlighting Nigeria’s achievements in data governance and cybersecurity, Salisu, who also leads the West African Parliamentarian Network on Internet Governance, shared milestones such as the enactment of a Data Protection and Privacy Act and the establishment of a commission to oversee its implementation.
“The commission focuses not just on enforcement but on building capacity, requiring organizations to appoint Data Protection Officers, similar to how auditors are appointed. This grassroots approach ensures effective data governance,” Salisu noted.
On cybersecurity, he emphasized Nigeria’s proactive measures, stating, “The Cybersecurity Act, initially enacted in 2015, was updated last year to reflect current realities. This amendment identified critical national information infrastructure requiring protection. Recently, the President signed a gazette designating key infrastructure in both public and private sectors as critical to national security.”
“With pride, I can assert that Nigeria boasts the most advanced banking system in Africa. Nigerian banks are present across the continent, and banking data, though primarily private sector-driven, is now recognized as part of our national information infrastructure under the cybersecurity framework.”
Salisu further highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance Nigeria’s cybersecurity laws. “We are currently revising the Cybersecurity Act. A few weeks ago, consultations were held with key stakeholders, including the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the Federal Ministry of Justice. The goal is to develop a modern Act that aligns with international protocols like the Budapest Convention and emerging United Nations standards. Nigeria is moving decisively in this direction,” he concluded.
The 13th African Internet Governance Forum runs from November 20th to 22nd, 2024, in Addis Ababa, under the theme “Building Our Multi-Stakeholder Digital Future for Africa.” Discussions include inclusive and collaborative approaches to internet governance across the continent.
