The House of Representatives has resolved to adopt a holistic approach to address the problem of leakages of classified information from security agencies.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Adedeji Olajide (APC-Oyo).
Presenting the motion, Mr Olajide said that the primary aim of the government was to protect the lives and property of the citizens.
He said the high rate of leaks of classified documents, especially on social media, had hindered the fight against security challenges in the country.
Mr Olajide explained that compromised classified information often led to a high rate of attacks on security agents by bandits, especially during rapid response.
‘’This official anomaly has become a worrisome national security issue that requires urgent intervention. If the chief of army staff decries the leakage of classified documents appearing on social media, then there is a serious issue at our hands as a nation,” stated the legislator.
The politician added, “It’s our duty as legislators to call for forensic investigations of all our security agencies. Leakages in the public sectors discredit the government, weaken the action plan and undermine the national security of the country.”
Adopting the motion, the parliament resolved to create a joint committee on national security intelligence, information technology and defence to carry out forensic data storage, data protection and flow of information of security agencies.
The lawmakers also promised to assess the level of data security at the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Identity Management Commission and other data collection agencies.
(NAN)
