By Our Correspondent <\/p>\n
In a bid to digitalize its economy, the Federal Government has concluded plans to blaze the trail in regulatory law on Digital Economy and E – Governance in Africa with possibility of signing into law this week by President Bola Tinubu , a bill jointly drafted and processed for that purpose by both the Senate and the House of Representatives .<\/p>\n
Indications to this effect emerged on Monday during a one day Public Hearing on National Digital Economy and E – Governance Bill 2025 organised by the Senate and House of Representatives joint committees on ICT and Cybersecurity.<\/p>\n
Aside assurances given by Chairmen of the joint committee , Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu and Hon Adedeji Olajide on laying and passing the bill for third reading at both chambers this week, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy , Dr Bosun Tijani , also assured that the President will sign it into law this week.<\/p>\n
” This bill is being awaited by President Bola Tinubu for assent this week, being one of the catalysts for the actualization of the projected $1trillion economy” , he said .<\/p>\n
In his presentation at the public hearing , the Minister said the expected Act from the bill , will be the first of kind on the African Continent which according to him, ” is a clear demonstration of Nigeria\u2019s role in setting the pace for technological advancement across Africa” <\/p>\n
He said : “This sector, which once contributed about 16 percent to our GDP, is now tracking at 19 percent. Under the President\u2019s leadership, we are targeting a $1 trillion economy with the digital economy contributing 21 percent to GDP by 2027. This Bill will unlock the private sector\u2019s potential to achieve that goal.<\/p>\n
“Our government is committed not to quick fixes, but to deep, structural investment\u2014building foundational digital infrastructure and progressive policies that will open new opportunities nationwide. <\/p>\n
“Together with the National Assembly, we are driving the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic network to connect every geopolitical zone, state, and local government with world-class internet access.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“The Bill also provides for a national data exchange system, ensuring seamless information sharing among MDAs and between government and the private sector.<\/p>\n
” It further establishes a framework for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption\u2014enabling Nigeria to leapfrog in competitiveness and productivity across critical sectors.<\/p>\n
“In strengthening this Bill, we are shaping the future of generations yet unborn. As the African proverb says, \u201cWise elders plant trees whose shade they will never sit under.\u201d<\/p>\n
“The generation that liberalized our telecommunications sector in 1999 laid the foundation for today\u2019s growth. Now, we take the next bold step\u2014to expand our economy through technology and innovation” <\/p>\n
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 in Africa as far as digital economy and e – governance are concerned.<\/p>\n
He said : ” The objective of this bill is to provide regulatory clarity for electronic transactions in the country. <\/p>\n
” The second objective is to mandate government agencies to digitise their operations and services .
\nThe law when put in place , will serve as the backbone of digital economy ” <\/p>\n
In his own remarks , the Chairman of House Committee on ICT , Hon Adedeji Olajide the bill when passed into law, would bring about , digital transformation of the country .<\/p>\n
All stakeholders present at the public hearing like National Communication Commission ( NCC), Nigeria Communication Satellite ( NICOMSAT) , Nigeria Postal Services ( NIPOST) , Galaxy Backbone , Office of the Head of Service etc , supported the legislation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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