Minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu will sign the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025, this week.
He made this known while speaking at a public hearing jointly convened by the Senate and House of Representatives committees on ICT and cybersecurity.
The minister 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.”
Tijani described the legislation as the first of its kind in Africa, pointing out that it was a reflection of Nigeria’s leadership role in driving digital transformation on the continent.
“This sector, which once contributed about 16 percent to our GDP, is now tracking at 19 percent. Under the president’s leadership, we are targeting a $1 trillion economy with the digital economy contributing 21 per cent to GDP by 2027. This Bill will unlock the private sector’s potential to achieve that goal.
“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,” he added.
Tijani also stated that the federal government is working with the national assembly to deploy 90,000km of fibre-optic cable to connect every state and local government, alongside almost 4,000 new communication towers to reach underserved communities.
According to him, the bill also provides for a national data exchange system to enable seamless information sharing among government agencies, and establishes a framework for artificial intelligence adoption across critical sectors.
“In strengthening this Bill, we are shaping the future of generations yet unborn. 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,” the minister said.
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 and services.
He said the bill is aimed at providing “regulatory clarity for electronic transactions in the country”.
“This law, when enacted, will serve as the backbone of the digital economy,” Salisu said.
Also in a remark, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on ICT, Adedeji Olajide, said the bill would drive nationwide digital transformation.
Stakeholders 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 service, declared support for the legislation.
