Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, has called on stakeholders to actively contribute towards ensuring that the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill becomes a robust piece of legislation for Nigeria.
The proposed law is designed to leverage digital technology to drive economic growth, establish a legal framework for international digital trade and investments, and enhance service delivery, transparency, and accountability in public digital services.
Speaking at a stakeholders event, Tijani emphasised the crucial role of technology and innovation in boosting national productivity.
According to Bosun, “There is no overarching law to back our digital economy in Nigeria. So, if we can collectively craft a piece of legislation that can help us accelerate the growth of this sector – you can imagine where we will be. So much is possible!”
He urged stakeholders to actively contribute to the development of the Bill to ensure its effectiveness as a robust piece of legislation.
The National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, sponsored by Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu of Ogun West Constituency and Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency, is set to become the cornerstone of legislation guiding the transformation of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The statement was delivered on Thursday, November 7, 2024, in Lagos during a nationwide consultation exercise on the draft National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill which attracted stakeholders from various sectors of society. This engagement initiative will involve taking the Bill to all 36 States of the Federation and Abuja FCT for further consultation and feedback, according to the government.
According to Bosun, “There is no overarching law to back our digital economy in Nigeria. So, if we can collectively craft a piece of legislation that can help us accelerate the growth of this sector – you can imagine where we will be. So much is possible!”
“It is very important to bring people together to get proper feedback. Therefore, when you leave here – beyond your contributions today – make sure you share with all stakeholders within your network, why we must all contribute to making this a holistic legislation,” he added.
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement during the session, stating that it is crucial for participants to recognize the significance of the process.
He highlighted that this is the first time a Bill has been taken across all the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria to ensure that the resulting legislation truly reflects the realities, yearnings, and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
Salisu notes that this Bill, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has the potential to significantly impact the way we work, live, and interact with one another.
Senator Salisu reiterated the need for citizens to approach the Bill with optimism and engage constructively for its success.
During the event, Adedeji Stanley Olajide, a co-sponsor of the National Digital Economy & e-Governance Bill, called for the support of citizens in the process of passing the Bill. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the final outcome aligns with the broad expectations of the people.
The Lagos stakeholder engagement brought together prominent figures from the private sector, civil society organizations, and public sector officials, including Tunbosun Alake, Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Lagos State.
The event supported by the World Bank Group’s Identification for Development (ID4D) Initiative is a nationwide engagement is said to continue next week in five states, namely Kano, Cross River, Kaduna, Ogun, and Abia.