Nigeria stands on the brink of a digital revolution as President Bola Tinubu is expected to sign the National Digital Economy and E‑Governance Bill 2025 into law before the month ends. The announcement came from Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, during a joint public hearing with the Senate and House of Representatives committees on ICT and Cybersecurity and Digital and Information Technology.
If enacted, the bill will make Nigeria the first African nation to adopt a comprehensive legal framework for the digital economy and e‑governance, modernising governance and strengthening the digital sector. Tijani said the legislation could unlock a pathway to a $1 trillion economy, noting that the digital economy already accounts for 19 % of Nigeria’s GDP, up from 16 % previously. The bill establishes a full legal and institutional structure for electronic communications, digital signatures, artificial‑intelligence governance, cybersecurity and digital literacy. It also proposes a National Data Exchange System to enable secure data sharing among government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as between the public and private sectors.
The Tinubu administration is pursuing long‑term digital reforms, planning to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fiber‑optic network to connect every geopolitical zone, state and local government with world‑class internet access. In addition, nearly 4,000 new communication towers will be installed in underserved communities to serve more than 20 million unconnected Nigerians.
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, called the bill a milestone in Nigeria’s digital‑governance journey. He highlighted that it provides legal recognition for electronic communications, records and contracts, and requires all public institutions to digitise their operations. The passage of the bill is a significant step toward meeting Nigeria’s economic targets, with the digital economy projected to reach 21 % of GDP by 2027.
As the country moves toward a more digitalised economy, the legislation is expected to profoundly impact Nigerians’ lives, boosting productivity and competitiveness across industries. With presidential assent imminent, Nigeria is poised to take a giant leap toward a more digital and connected future.
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