Nigeria Advances Landmark Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill at National Assembly Hearing

The Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity, and Digital and Information Technology, held a one-day public hearing on the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2025 at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. The hearing brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to deliberate on the provisions of the bill aimed at establishing a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for Nigeria’s digital transformation.

The National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2025, which is the first-of-its-kind on the continent, seeks to promote the adoption of digital technologies across all sectors of the economy by strengthening legal recognition for electronic communications, records, and contracts; mandating digital transformation across public institutions; and ensuring ethical, transparent, and risk-based governance of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Since its introduction, the bill has undergone a broad and inclusive review process, having been presented to stakeholders across all 36 states of the federation and the FCT — making it the first bill to be so presented across the country. This unprecedented level of engagement reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of citizens, industry players, academia, and civil society are well represented in shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital economy and governance systems.

Speaking at the public hearing, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, commended the Joint Committees for their leadership in advancing a bill that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill represents a major step toward institutionalising the reforms that will position Nigeria as a global leader in digital governance. We are extremely fortunate as a nation to be blessed with a President with clarity on the path to prosperity — not just for a few, but for the generality of Nigerians. The leadership that we are seeing on display today, and over the last two years, is an example of how the Legislators are working with the Executive, private sector, and the civil society to give Nigeria the digitally-enabled future that we deserve.”

– Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Nigeria 

In his remarks, the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, highlighted the importance of the bill in securing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and ensuring compliance with global cybersecurity standards.

“This bill has the potential to transform our country into the league of big players globally, and to also ensure that the vision of this administration to turn Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy is achieved sooner than later. The National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, for which we are gathered today, will be the most defining bill in the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria.”

– Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Nigeria

Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, noted that the bill reflects a bipartisan effort to create a harmonised digital ecosystem.

“This hearing demonstrates our collective resolve to build a digitally inclusive, transparent, and efficient government system for our nation. The rich contributions from diverse stakeholders, robust debates, and expert insights from this hearing will go a long way in demonstrating our shared vision for Nigeria’s digital transformation.”

– Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Chairman, House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Nigeria

The National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2025 is one of the cornerstone initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at redefining Nigeria’s digital future and accelerating economic growth. Once passed into law, it will lay a firm foundation for a digitally empowered Nigeria.

“The National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill represents a major step toward institutionalising the reforms that will position Nigeria as a global leader in digital governance. We are extremely fortunate as a nation to be blessed with a President with clarity on the path to prosperity — not just for a few, but for the generality of Nigerians. The leadership that we are seeing on display today, and over the last two years, is an example of how the Legislators are working with the Executive, private sector, and the civil society to give Nigeria the digitally-enabled future that we deserve.”

– Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Nigeria