Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, today led a significant stakeholder engagement on the proposed Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill. Held in Lagos, this meeting is part of an extensive consultation initiative that spans Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aimed at shaping legislation to catalyze the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
“Today in Lagos, we held a stakeholder engagement on the Digital Economy & e-Governance Bill as part of our wide-ranging consultation across the 36 states and FCT of Nigeria,” stated Dr. Tijani. “With no current overarching law to back the digital economy in Nigeria, we are keen to collectively craft a piece of legislation that can help us accelerate the growth of the sector.”
The consultation seeks to create a law to support digital economy initiatives, prioritizing data interoperability and technological innovation that not only empower the government but also enable the private sector to utilize government services and data to achieve their business objectives. The process is being funded by The World Bank, which has supported Nigeria’s goal of ensuring that the Bill reflects insights from across sectors.
Dr. Tijani emphasized the importance of stakeholder input in drafting an inclusive bill: “This process of bringing stakeholders together…to get proper feedback on the Bill is critical,” he said. “I am grateful for the collaboration of both chambers of the National Assembly, led by Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chair of the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity, and Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, House Committee Chair on ICT & Cybersecurity, in making sure that this process is inclusive as we work together to deliver the benefits of a stronger digital economy for our people.”
