The House of Representatives on Thursday created a joint committee on National Security Intelligence, Information Technology and Defence to prevent the leak of classified information.

The committee is empowered to carry out forensic data storage, data protection and flow of information of all security agencies, and inspect the level of data security operated by some of the agencies.

The committee will focus on the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Identity Management Commission and other data collection agencies.

The creation of the committee follows a motion by a member of the House, Adedeji Olajide, who noted that the rate at which classified and confidential documents are leaked to the public and social media is worrisome.

Olajide said that the leak of classified information is a national security concern that needs urgent intervention.

He added that data leakages in the public sectors portray the government in a bad light, weaken the action plan, and undermine the national security of the nation.

“Our security agents are being attacked by bandits while going for rapid response due to leak of information and national security is also compromised,” stressing that “the flow of unauthorised classified information and documents to the public domain is now almost at the discretions of a government official; the rate at which classified information’s spread on the social media is disturbing,” he said

The House has resolved that the joint committee should submit its report within six weeks.