Nigeria is set to take a leading role in Africa’s digital economy and e-governance sector as the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025 prepares for presidential assent.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to sign the legislation into law this week.
The bill, jointly drafted by the Senate and the House of Representatives, was recently examined during a one-day public hearing convened by the National Assembly’s joint committees on ICT and Cybersecurity.
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu and Hon. Adedeji Olajide, chairmen of the respective committees, assured lawmakers and stakeholders that the bill would be presented for third reading and passed in both chambers this week.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the President was ready to give assent, describing the bill as a critical driver for Nigeria’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy.
“The Act arising from this bill will be the first of its kind on the African continent, demonstrating Nigeria’s leadership in technological advancement,” Tijani said.
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He noted that the digital economy currently contributes 19 percent to the nation’s GDP, with projections to rise to 21 percent by 2027 under the Tinubu administration.
The legislation provides for the digitisation of government operations, the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic networks, the construction of nearly 4,000 communication towers in underserved communities, a national data exchange system, and a framework for artificial intelligence adoption to improve productivity across sectors.
Senator Salisu said the bill would offer regulatory clarity for electronic transactions, while Hon. Olajide highlighted its role in driving nationwide digital transformation.
Key stakeholders, including the National Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Communication Satellite (NICOMSAT), Galaxy Backbone, NIPOST, and the Office of the Head of Service, expressed support for the bill, emphasising its potential as the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy and e-governance framework.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
