Nigeria Leads Africa on Digital Economy, E-Governance Framework …As FG, NASS Set to Pass Landmark Bill into Law This Week

Nigeria is set to make history in Africa’s digital transformation journey as President Bola Tinubu is expected to sign into law this week the pioneering National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, jointly initiated and processed by the Senate and House of Representatives.

Indications to this effect emerged on Monday during a one-day Public Hearing on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025, organized by the joint committees on ICT and Cybersecurity of both chambers of the National Assembly.

Chairmen of the joint committees, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu and Hon. Adedeji Olajide, assured that the bill would be laid and passed for third reading in both chambers this week. Also, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, confirmed that President Tinubu is ready to sign the bill into law immediately after passage.

> “This bill is being awaited by President Bola Tinubu for assent this week, as it is one of the catalysts for the realization of the projected $1 trillion economy,” Dr. Tijani said.

Speaking at the public hearing, the minister emphasized that the forthcoming law will be the first of its kind in Africa, underscoring Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing digital transformation across 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 percent to GDP by 2027. This Bill will unlock private sector potential to achieve that goal,” he added.

Dr. Tijani explained that the Tinubu administration is committed to long-term structural investment rather than temporary fixes—by building foundational digital infrastructure and implementing progressive policies that will expand opportunities nationwide.

He revealed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Assembly, is deploying 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic network to ensure world-class internet access across all geopolitical zones, states, and local governments.

Additionally, plans are underway to connect over 20 million unserved Nigerians through the installation of nearly 4,000 new communication towers in underserved areas.

The Bill also seeks to establish a national data exchange system for seamless information sharing among MDAs and between government and private sector stakeholders. It further provides a legal framework for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, aimed at boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness and productivity across critical sectors.

> “In strengthening this Bill, we are shaping the future of generations yet unborn. As the African proverb says, ‘Wise elders plant trees whose shade they will never sit under,’” Tijani remarked.
“The generation that liberalized our telecommunications sector in 1999 laid today’s foundation. Now, we take the next bold step—to expand our economy through technology and innovation.”

In his welcome address, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, described the legislation as the first in Africa dedicated to digital economy and e-governance.

> “The objective of this Bill is to provide regulatory clarity for electronic transactions in Nigeria and mandate government agencies to digitize their operations and services. Once enacted, it will serve as the backbone of our digital economy,” Salisu stated.

On his part, Hon. Adedeji Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, said the bill’s passage will mark a new era of digital transformation for Nigeria.

Key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST), Galaxy Backbone, and the Office of the Head of Service, all expressed their support for the legislation during the public hearing.