The Federal Government of Nigeria has set its sights on passing the Digital Economy Bill by the second quarter of 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and foster economic growth.
The bill, which is currently in the process of review, is expected to lay the foundation for comprehensive legislation to guide Nigeria’s digital economy, including technology innovation, e-governance, and digital services.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, confirmed the timeline during a recent interview on Arise TV, stressing that the bill will be pivotal in advancing the country’s digital ambitions.
According to the minister, the bill will address critical issues such as infrastructure development, talent cultivation, and regulatory transparency.
One of the bill’s key provisions is the establishment of a legal framework that will support Nigeria’s growing digital sector, which the government views as crucial for meeting its target of becoming a $1tn economy by 2030.
The bill also aims to improve e-governance practices and increase public participation by soliciting feedback from citizens across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“This is the first bill in the history of Nigeria that is going to all the states in Nigeria and FCT and engaging people to get feedback. We expect that we’ll complete our process before the end of February, and then the process will continue again at the National Assembly, with the hope that by Q2 this bill can be passed. So what we’re doing, and I want people to pay attention to it, because I communicate extensively,” he stated.
The bill has also gained support from key members of the National Assembly, who have been integral to its development.
Notably, the Chair of the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Salisu, and the Chair of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Adedeji Olajide, have actively collaborated with the Ministry to ensure the Bill’s inclusivity and alignment with national priorities.