Nigeria is on the verge of a major legislative milestone as the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025 nears completion. Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, disclosed that the bill will be laid for third reading and passed in both chambers of the National Assembly before the year ends.
The bill, jointly processed by the Senate and House of Representatives, is designed to provide a legal and institutional framework for Nigeria’s digital economy, electronic governance, and cybersecurity. It aims to accelerate innovation, enhance transparency, and unlock inclusive growth across all sectors.
At a recent public hearing in Abuja, Salisu emphasized that the legislation is a critical enabler for Nigeria’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy. He noted that the bill would harmonize existing digital policies, strengthen data protection, and promote trust in electronic transactions.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, also confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready to give assent once the bill is passed, describing it as a landmark achievement that will place Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation.
Stakeholders from the ICT sector, civil society, and academia praised the speed of the legislative process, highlighting the bill’s potential to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy. The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, called the bill “a backbone for Nigeria’s technological future.”
The legislation covers key areas including:
Electronic transactions and contracts
Digital signatures and records management
Cybersecurity and intermediary liability
Consumer protection in digital markets
Frameworks for e-governance and service delivery
Observers note that the bill’s passage will mark the first of its kind in Africa, setting a precedent for other nations seeking to integrate governance and economic growth with digital innovation.
