NIGERIA: Tinubu to Sign Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill into Law This Week

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to sign the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025 into law this week, a move the federal government says will accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and drive its $1 trillion economic target.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Monday during a joint public hearing organised by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity.

According to Tijani, the bill is one of the key catalysts for the realisation of President Tinubu’s economic vision, noting that the legislation would position Nigeria as a continental leader in digital governance and innovation.

Tijani said: “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.”

The minister described the bill as the first of its kind in Africa, highlighting that it reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership in digital policy and innovation.

He revealed that the digital economy currently contributes 19 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, up from 16 per cent, adding that under the current administration, the sector is expected to contribute 21 per cent to GDP by 2027.

He said: “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.”

As part of the government’s efforts to deepen connectivity, Tijani announced plans to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable across the country and construct about 4,000 new communication towers to reach underserved communities.

The bill also seeks to establish a national data exchange system to facilitate seamless information sharing among government agencies and create a framework for the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across key sectors of the economy.

Tijani emphasised that the legislation represents a generational step in shaping Nigeria’s future.

“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,” he added.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, Shuaib Salisu, said the proposed law would provide regulatory clarity for electronic transactions and mandate ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to digitise their operations.

“This law, when enacted, will serve as the backbone of the digital economy,” Salisu said.

Similarly, Adedeji Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, noted that the bill would drive nationwide digital transformation and ensure that Nigeria’s public sector keeps pace with technological advancement.

Key stakeholders present at the hearing, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NICOMSAT), Galaxy Backbone Limited, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, expressed their support for the proposed legislation.