Nigeria is set to become a pioneer in regulatory law on the digital economy and e-governance in Africa, with President Bola Tinubu expected to sign the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025 into law this week.
The bill, jointly drafted and processed by the Senate and House of Representatives, was the focus of a one-day public hearing on Monday, organised by the joint committees on ICT and Cybersecurity.
Speaking at the hearing, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, confirmed that the President is poised to assent to the bill this week.
“This bill is being awaited by President Bola Tinubu for assent this week, being one of the catalysts for the actualisation of the projected $1 trillion economy,” he said.
Mr Tijani described the proposed Act as the first of its kind on the African continent and a demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership in technological advancement.
“This sector, which once contributed about 16 per cent to our GDP, is now tracking at 19 per cent. Under the President’s leadership, we are targeting a $1 trillion economy with the digital economy contributing 21 per cent to GDP by 2027. This Bill will unlock the private sector’s potential to achieve that goal.
“Our government is committed not to quick fixes, but to deep, structural investment—building foundational digital infrastructure and progressive policies that will open new opportunities nationwide.
“Together with the National Assembly, we are driving the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network to connect every geopolitical zone, state, and local government with world-class internet access.
“Beyond this, we are addressing the needs of over 20 million unconnected Nigerians by deploying nearly 4,000 new communication towers in currently underserved communities.
“The Bill also provides for a national data exchange system, ensuring seamless information sharing among MDAs and between government and the private sector.
“It further establishes a framework for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, enabling Nigeria to leapfrog in competitiveness and productivity across critical sectors.
“In strengthening this Bill, we are shaping the future of generations yet unborn. As the African proverb says, ‘Wise elders plant trees whose shade they will never sit under.’
“The generation that liberalised our telecommunications sector in 1999 laid the foundation for today’s growth. Now, we take the next bold step to expand our economy through technology and innovation.”
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, said the legislation, when passed, would be the first in Africa focusing on digital economy and e-governance.
“The objective of this bill is to provide regulatory clarity for electronic transactions in the country. The second objective is to mandate government agencies to digitise their operations and services. The law, when put in place, will serve as the backbone of the digital economy,” he said.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, Adedeji Olajide, said the bill would drive digital transformation across the country.
The public hearing saw wide support from stakeholders, including the National Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Communication Satellite (NICOMSAT), Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST), Galaxy Backbone, and the Office of the Head of Service.
