FMCIDE Engages Stakeholders in Anambra on National Digital Economy Bill

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), in a bid to enhance Nigeria’s digital future, has engaged key stakeholders in Anambra State to discuss the forthcoming Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.

The engagement, held at the International Convention Centre in Awka on Tuesday, aimed to make the proposed bill a legislative framework addressing the varied needs of Nigeria’s digital landscape.

Dubbed the ‘Ministerial High-Level Workshop on the Draft National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill,’ the session welcomed a diverse array of participants, including representatives from information technology, business, healthcare, politics, fashion, and other industries.

The workshop featured interactive breakaway sessions and workshops designed to gather insights and feedback from those directly affected by the proposed legislation.

Mr. Bankole Oke, a representative from Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe Law Firm, which is guiding the passage of the bill, emphasised that stakeholder engagement was critical for assessing the bill’s provisions.

Oke highlighted that the bill seeks to ensure the legal recognition of digital communications and electronic signatures, thereby optimising governance and everyday transactions.

He said, “The National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill introduces groundbreaking provisions, such as the legal recognition of digital communications and electronic signatures, which promise to streamline governance and everyday transactions.

“The sessions are part of a broader initiative to ensure the proposed bill reflects the diverse needs of Nigeria’s digital landscape. The discussions across the sessions on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill have been quite enthusiastic, and we are optimistic that the various state governments and stakeholders will support this process.

“We look forward to more input as we work with the National Assembly to deliver a robust bill that supports our efforts to grow our digital economy. The stakeholders have argued that the digital bill is a deliberate effort to migrate the country from a paper to a paperless economy, making Nigeria one of the most digital nations in the world,” Oke remarked, expressing hope for broad support from state governments and stakeholders.

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In his address, Governor Soludo’s representative, Anambra State’s Managing Director/CEO of the ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Agbata, echoed the administration’s commitment to driving technology initiatives. He stated, “The government is intentional about steering Anambra towards a tech-driven economy, anticipating that the swift enactment of the bill will foster rapid growth in trade and commerce.”

Agbata reiterated the state’s pivotal role in digital innovation, framing its participation as a testament to its ambition to bridge gaps in fragmented data infrastructure, enhance digital inclusion in rural areas, and bolster cybersecurity.

He praised the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) for involving Anambra in these crucial discussions, noting that they align directly with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision for a digitally driven state.

“Anambra is a land of opportunities where innovation thrives. Our future rests on technology and innovation,” he asserted, drawing parallels with Lagos’ early tech ecosystem.

Others who spoke during the event included Emeka Igwe, the Anambra State House of Assembly Member representing Idemili South Constituency. He expressed that the Anambra State House of Assembly would be eager to domesticate the bill once passed at the federal level.

Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, echoed the sentiments of Agbata, stating that the current administration in Anambra is at the forefront of driving technology and innovation. She added that the state government is on the verge of domesticating the Start-up Act and noted that this week has been dedicated by Anambra State’s “Solution Government” to promoting technology, innovation, and business incubation across the 21 local government areas.

The session also highlighted key challenges, including limited digital literacy, fragmented digital infrastructure, and inadequate cybersecurity measures. Oke emphasised that the bill aims to address these issues and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.

Participants provided feedback, raising concerns and offering suggestions to enhance the bill, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.