PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu is set to sign the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025 into law before the end of November, according to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Speaking at a public hearing jointly Organized by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on ICT, Cybersecurity, and Digital Technology, Tijani revealed that the landmark legislation would make Nigeria the first African country to enact a comprehensive law governing digital transformation and e-governance.
Describing the bill as “a transformative framework,” the minister said it is designed to modernize governance, strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, and accelerate the country’s journey toward achieving a $1 trillion economy.
“This Bill is being awaited by President Bola Tinubu for assent this month, as it serves as one of the key catalysts for our trillion-dollar economic vision,” Tijani stated.
He disclosed that the digital economy’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has grown from 16 percent to 19 percent, with projections to reach 21 percent by 2027, underscoring the sector’s critical role in national development.
The proposed law establishes a legal and institutional framework to regulate electronic communications, digital signatures, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, cybersecurity, and digital literacy.
Tijani emphasized that the Tinubu administration’s focus is on sustainable digital reforms rather than short-term interventions.
“Together with the National Assembly, we are deploying 90,000 kilometers of fibre-optic network to connect every geopolitical zone, state, and local government area with world-class internet access. In addition, nearly 4,000 new communication towers will be installed to serve over 20 million unconnected Nigerians in underserved communities,” he said.
The Bill also provides for the establishment of a National Data Exchange System to enable secure and efficient data sharing among government agencies and between the public and private sectors. It further outlines a national framework for ethical AI adoption, designed to boost productivity and competitiveness across industries.
“In strengthening this Bill, we are shaping the future for generations yet unborn. Just as those who liberalized our telecoms sector in 1999 laid the foundation for today’s growth, we are now taking the next bold step to expand our economy through technology and innovation,” Tijani added.
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, described the Bill as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital governance journey.
He noted that it would give legal recognition to electronic communications, contracts, and records while compelling public institutions to digitize their operations for greater efficiency.