Indications emerged on Monday that President Bola Tinubu may sign the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025, into law this week, further advancing the digitalisation of Nigeria’s economy and marking a first for the country in such regulatory legislation in Africa.

Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu and Hon. Adedeji Olajide, hinted at this during a one-day public hearing on the bill, assuring that the legislation would be laid and passed for third reading in both chambers this week.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, also confirmed that the President would assent to the bill once it has been passed by the National Assembly.

“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 said.

In his presentation at the public hearing, the minister said the Act expected from the bill would be the first of its kind on the African continent, which he described as “a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s role in setting the pace for technological advancement across Africa.”

According to him: “This sector, which once contributed about 16 per cent to our GDP, is now tracking at 19 per cent. Under the President’s leadership, we are targeting a $1 trillion economy with the digital economy contributing 21 per cent to GDP by 2027. This bill will unlock the private sector’s potential to achieve that goal.

“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.

“Together with the National Assembly, we are driving the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network to connect every geopolitical zone, state, and local government with world-class internet access.

“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.

“The bill also provides for a national data exchange system, ensuring seamless information sharing among MDAs and between government and the private sector.

“It further establishes a framework for artificial intelligence adoption—enabling Nigeria to leapfrog in competitiveness and productivity across critical sectors.

“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.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, the chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, said the legislation, when passed into law, will be the first in Africa in terms of digital economy and e-governance.

He said: “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 digitalise their operations and services. The law, when put in place, will serve as the backbone of the digital economy.”

In his remarks, the chairman of the House Committee on ICT, Hon. Adedeji Olajide, said the bill, once enacted, would drive the digital transformation of the country.

Tinubu set to sign historic digital economy, e-governance bill