By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
Nigeria is poised to make history as the first African nation to enact a comprehensive law on digital economy and e-governance, with President Bola Tinubu expected to sign the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025 into law before the end of November.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, gave the assurance on Monday during a one-day public hearing jointly organised by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity, and Digital and Information Technology at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Describing the legislation as a bold step toward building a $1 trillion economy, Tijani said the Bill would “unlock Nigeria’s competitiveness, food security, and prosperity through a modern, technology-driven public sector.”
“This bill is being awaited by President Bola Tinubu for assent this month, as it is one of the catalysts for achieving our $1 trillion economic projection,” the Minister declared.
According to him, the proposed law represents Africa’s first comprehensive digital economy and e-governance framework, marking Nigeria’s leadership in the continent’s digital transformation drive.
He said, “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,” he said.
Tijani explained that the law would establish a strong regulatory and institutional foundation for electronic communications, digital signatures, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, cybersecurity compliance, and digital literacy across the nation.
He added that the Tinubu administration was not pursuing “quick fixes” but deep, structural reforms that would transform governance and productivity.
He said, “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 underserved communities,” Tijani said.
The Minister highlighted the establishment of a National Data Exchange System as one of the key features of the Bill, to ensure seamless data sharing among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as between the government and the private sector.
He also stated that the Bill provides a clear framework for the ethical adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), positioning Nigeria to leapfrog in competitiveness and productivity across key sectors.
Tijani said, “In strengthening this Bill, we are shaping the future of generations yet unborn. 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,” Tijani said.
He commended the National Assembly for its collaboration on the Bill, describing it as “a model of legislative–executive partnership driven purely by national interest.”
“This is not about the Minister or the President; it is about Nigeria’s future. The lawmakers have done an extraordinary job ensuring that every region, stakeholder, and citizen had the opportunity to make input,” he added.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, described the Bill as “a milestone in Nigeria’s digital governance journey.”
He noted that it would provide legal recognition for electronic communications, records, and contracts while mandating all government agencies to digitise their operations.
“The objective of this Bill is to provide regulatory clarity for electronic transactions in the country. The law, when put in place, will serve as the backbone of the digital economy,” Salisu said.
Additionally, Adedeji Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, stated that the proposed legislation would “transform the public sector through digital innovation, transparency, and accountability.”
Stakeholders from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Galaxy Backbone, and the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (OHCSF) unanimously endorsed the Bill.
However, the OHCSF, in its memorandum, urged specific adjustments to align the Bill with existing public service laws and governance frameworks.
It noted that while the legislation was well-intentioned, some provisions overlapped with the mandates of the Head of Service, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the Bureau of Public Procurement.
