Digital economy bill will unlock Nigeria’s $1 trillion growth potential — Tijani
Nigeria is on the cusp of a major economic and digital transformation as the Federal Government and the National Assembly move to finalise the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025, a landmark legislation expected to be signed into law by President Bola Tinubu this week.
Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, who disclosed this during a one-day public hearing on Monday organised by the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity, said the bill will serve as a key driver toward achieving Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target.
Both Shuaib Afolabi, the Chairman of the Senate Committee, and Adedeji Olajide, his House counterpart, assured that the bill would be laid and passed for third reading this week in readiness for presidential assent.
“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 stated.
Highlighting the significance of the bill, the Minister said it would be the first of its kind in Africa, demonstrating Nigeria’s leadership in digital innovation.
“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 the private sector’s potential to achieve that goal,” he explained.
Tijani emphasised that the administration’s focus is on long-term transformation, not temporary solutions.
“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 revealed that the government, in partnership with the National Assembly, is working to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic network to provide high-speed internet access across all geopolitical zones, states, and local governments.
“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,” he added.
The bill, according to the Minister, also provides for a national data exchange system to enable seamless information sharing among ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and between the government and the private sector.
“It further establishes a framework for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, enabling Nigeria to leapfrog in competitiveness and productivity across critical sectors,” Tijani said.
Reflecting on the long-term vision of the bill, he noted, “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.’
“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.”
Read also: FG commits $2 billion to digital infrastructure, says Tijani
In his opening remarks, Afolabi described the legislation as a milestone that would establish Nigeria as the first African country with a legal framework dedicated to digital economy and e-governance.
“The objective of this bill is to provide regulatory clarity for electronic transactions in the country.
“The second objective is to mandate government agencies to digitise their operations and services. The law, when put in place, will serve as the backbone of our digital economy,” he said.
Similarly, Olajide, said the bill would transform Nigeria’s governance landscape.
“When passed into law, this legislation will drive the digital transformation of the country,” he noted.
Stakeholders present at the hearing, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NIGCOMSAT, NIPOST, Galaxy Backbone, and the Office of the Head of Service, all expressed strong support for the proposed legislation.
