Kennedy Ibeh’s Data Protection Bill scales second reading in Imo Assembly
-Seeks to protect Imolites' privacy, regulate AI, strengthen digital economy
In a bold legislative move that could redefine digital governance and strengthen the protection of millions of Imolites in the digital age, the Imo State House of Assembly has advanced the Imo State Data Protection Bill to its second reading, setting the stage for what lawmakers described as one of the most transformative pieces of legislation in the State’s history.
The landmark bill, sponsored by the Member representing Obowo State Constituency and former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Kennedy Ibeh, seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of citizens’ personal data, regulate data processing, govern the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, and create the Imo State Data Protection Authority.
Co-sponsored by thirteen lawmakers, the proposed legislation is widely seen as a strategic step towards positioning Imo as Nigeria’s leading digitally secure and investment-friendly state.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill on Thursday, July 30th, 2026, Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibeh described the legislation as a proactive response to the realities of the rapidly evolving digital economy, stressing that governments must stay ahead of emerging technological challenges rather than react after damage has been done.
According to him, the 96-section bill is designed to strengthen the State’s digital economy by guaranteeing the privacy of citizens, protecting personal information from abuse, regulating the activities of data controllers and processors, and providing legal safeguards for the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence.
He maintained that the legislation would align Imo State with global best practices in data protection, thereby increasing investor confidence and making the State more attractive to technology companies and digital enterprises seeking a secure regulatory environment.
The former Speaker noted that as digital identity systems such as the National Identification Number (NIN) become central to governance, commerce and public administration, there is an urgent need for a robust legal framework to safeguard personal information against misuse, cyber fraud and identity theft.
He further explained that the proposed law would not only protect citizens from digital exploitation but also assist government in strengthening transparency and accountability by helping to eliminate fraudulent practices such as ghost workers within the public service.
He said, part Six of the bill provides a governance framework for Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies involving personal data, making Imo one of the few states taking legislative steps to regulate AI in line with global technological developments.
According to the Obowo vibrant legislator, a major highlight of the bill is Part Six, which provides a legal framework for the governance of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies involving personal data, placing Imo among the first sub-national governments in Nigeria to proactively legislate on AI regulation.
Speaking further, he disclosed that the bill was thoroughly placed side by side with the Nigeria’s Data protection Act, stressing that all he did was to push for the domestication of the Law in Imo State, considering the numerous efforts of the Uzodimma led administration in digital economy development.
Therefore, he assured the members that the law, if eventually passed into law, will not only give the residents confidence that their personal data are adequately protected but would further position the State globally for investments.
Rt. Hon. Ibeh expressed more worry that most thefts occur and go freely due to lack of such database and protection, hence assured that such anomaly is what the law intends to address.
Throwing his weight behind the bill, the Member representing Nkwerre State Constituency, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu described it as a visionary piece of legislation that will protect Imolites from the unauthorized use of their personal information while establishing clear standards for digital governance.
He maintained that the bill would position Imo State ahead of many States by aligning its legal framework with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, thereby strengthening public confidence and accelerating digital transformation.
The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu described the bill as a people’s bill as it aims at protecting everybody. With some additions and observations from the Deputy speaker concerning the long title, he however, submitted that with the bill, the future is digital, and the privacy, security and rights of Imolites must be protected by law.
With meaningful submissions from the members, the bill passed its second reading. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe referred it to a joint committee on digital economy and information and to report back in the next adjourned date.
