By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
THE NATIONAL Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025, is expected to receive presidential assent this week, marking a major step in Nigeria’s bid to consolidate its digital transformation and governance reforms.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Monday at a public hearing jointly organised by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity, and Digital and Information Technology.
Tijani stated that President Bola Tinubu is awaiting the bill for assent, describing it as one of the key enablers of the administration’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy.
He said the legislation would make Nigeria the first African nation to enact a comprehensive law dedicated to digital economy and e-governance.
According to the minister, the Bill represents a transformative framework that will modernise public administration, strengthen the digital economy, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global technology space.
“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,” Tijani said.
He explained that the contribution of the digital economy to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased from 16 percent to 19 percent and is projected to reach 21 percent by 2027.
The minister noted that the Bill establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for electronic communications, digital signatures, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, cybersecurity, and digital literacy.
He emphasised that the Tinubu administration’s approach prioritises long-term structural reforms rather than short-term interventions.
“Together with the National Assembly, we are deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network to connect every geopolitical zone, state and local government with world-class internet access,” Tijani stated.
He added that beyond broadband expansion, the government is addressing the connectivity gap for over 20 million Nigerians by deploying nearly 4,000 new communication towers in underserved communities across the country.
Tijani further explained that the Bill proposes the establishment of a National Data Exchange System to facilitate secure and efficient data sharing among ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as between public and private institutions.
The framework also includes provisions for ethical AI adoption, designed to promote productivity and competitiveness across all sectors of the economy.
“In strengthening this Bill, we are shaping the future of generations yet unborn. The generation that liberalised our telecoms 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,” he said.
The minister underscored the administration’s commitment to inclusive digital governance, stressing that the Bill provides the legal backing for the nationwide e-governance drive.
He said it would formalise the use of digital records, electronic communications and online platforms in public administration, thereby improving service delivery and transparency.
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 public institutions to digitise their operations.
According to the senator, the legislation will streamline digital processes across government institutions and ensure data integrity, efficiency, and accountability.
He affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to working with the executive to implement the provisions of the Bill effectively once signed into law.
The law is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s integration into the global digital economy by ensuring that governance, commerce, and service delivery are anchored on modern technological standards.
It also aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises innovation, job creation, and infrastructure development as tools for national growth.
President Bola Tinubu has also continued to drive major infrastructure and digital reform partnerships, most recently hosting a delegation from Siemens Energy in Abuja on November 10 to advance the Presidential Power Initiative.
The initiative, focused on upgrading transmission infrastructure and boosting capacity to 25,000 megawatts, recorded significant progress in its pilot phase with 984 megawatts added through new substations and transformers.
Officials involved in the power discussions said the President directed the delivery of 10 additional mobile stations and expansion works at key transmission hubs in Abeokuta and Onitsha.
The project is aimed at improving power reliability, stimulating industrial development, and supporting digital operations across Nigeria’s emerging technology ecosystem.
With the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill nearing assent, stakeholders expect a stronger synergy between power, infrastructure, and digital sectors to drive national productivity.
The Bill’s implementation is projected to expand opportunities for young innovators, tech startups and digital service providers, while enhancing government efficiency through technology-driven reforms.
Tijani reaffirmed that the passage of the Bill reflects Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s digital transformation.
“We are setting a standard not just for ourselves but for the continent,” he said, stressing that the legislation would ensure Nigeria remains a competitive player in the evolving global digital landscape.
Once enacted, the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Act will establish the regulatory and operational foundation for a connected, transparent, and innovation-driven government, positioning Nigeria as a continental leader in digital transformation.
