Nigeria to become Africa’s first nation with comprehensive digital economy, e-governance law

Nigeria is poised to make history as the first African country to enact a comprehensive law governing the digital economy and e-governance, with the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025 expected to receive presidential assent from President Bola Tinubu before the end of the month.

The announcement came from Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, during a one-day public hearing jointly organised by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on ICT, Cybersecurity, and Digital and Information Technology at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Monday.

Tijani described the bill as a pivotal step toward building a $1 trillion economy, adding that it would enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness, boost food security, and drive prosperity through a technology-driven public sector.

“This bill is being awaited by President Tinubu for assent this month. It is one of the catalysts for achieving our $1 trillion economic projection,” Tijani said.

Highlighting the sector’s rapid growth, the minister noted that the digital economy’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has risen from 16 per cent to 19 per cent, with a target of 21 percent by 2027.

He emphasised that the legislation would provide a robust regulatory framework for electronic communications, digital signatures, cybersecurity compliance, artificial intelligence (AI), and nationwide digital literacy.

“We are not pursuing quick fixes. We are focused on deep, structural reforms that will transform governance and productivity across the country,” Tijani said.

The minister revealed that under the Tinubu administration, nearly 90,000 kilometers of fibre-optic network were being deployed to ensure high-speed internet access across all geopolitical zones, states, and local governments.

In addition, around 4,000 new communication towers will be installed to connect over 20 million Nigerians in previously underserved areas.

The bill also provides for the creation of a National Data Exchange System, enabling seamless data sharing between Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as between the public and private sectors.

The legislation establishes an ethical framework for AI adoption, which Tijani said would allow Nigeria to leapfrog in competitiveness and productivity across critical sectors.

“We are shaping the future of generations yet unborn. The generation that liberalised telecommunications 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 added.

Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, described the bill as “a milestone in Nigeria’s digital governance journey”, stressing that it provides legal recognition for electronic communications, records, and contracts while mandating government agencies to digitize their operations.

Hon. Adedeji Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, said the legislation would transform the public sector through digital innovation, transparency, and accountability.

At the public hearing, stakeholders including 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) endorsed the bill.

The OHCSF, however, recommended adjustments to ensure alignment with existing public service laws, particularly regarding sections assigning exclusive authority over civil service ICT functions to the minister.

Lawmakers assured stakeholders that all credible inputs would be incorporated before the bill proceeds to the third reading in both chambers later this week.

Private sector and academic representatives welcomed the emphasis on AI regulation, cybersecurity, and digital literacy, noting that passage of the bill would cement Nigeria’s position as a continental leader in digital transformation.

Once signed into law, the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025 is expected to usher in a new era of technology-driven governance, innovation-led growth, and enhanced citizen engagement, marking a historic milestone in Nigeria’s digital development.