Nigeria is poised to lead Africa in digital economy and e-governance regulation, with President Bola Tinubu expected to sign the bill into law this week.
The bill was jointly drafted and processed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives for this purpose.
Indications had emerged on Monday during a one-day public hearing on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025, organised by the Senate and House of Representatives’ joint committees on ICT and Cybersecurity that the bill will be signed.
Aside from assurances by the Chairmen of the Joint Committee, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu and Adedeji Olajide, that the bill will be laid and passed for third reading in both chambers this week, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijani, also confirmed that the President will sign it into law 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.
In his presentation at the public hearing, Mr Tijani said the expected Act from the bill will be the first of its kind on the African continent, which, according to him is a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s role in setting the pace for technological advancement across Africa.
“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.”
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Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, said the legislation, when passed into law, will be the first of its kind in Africa.
“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.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, Adedeji Olajide, said the bill, when passed into law, would bring about the digital transformation of the country.
All stakeholders present at the public hearing, including the National Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Communication Satellite (NICOMSAT), Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST), Galaxy Backbone, and the Office of the Head of Service, supported the legislation.