The proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill will transform the way government operates and how citizens access public services, said Speaker Abbas
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has said the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill will transform the way government operates and how citizens access public services, paving the way for a smarter and more transparent Nigeria anchored on technology and accountability.
Speaker Abbas made this known at a one-day public hearing on the bill, jointly organised by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity.
According to him, the proposed legislation goes beyond merely enacting new laws, as it seeks to redefine governance processes and citizen engagement.
“It is a vision for a new way of governance — one that is efficient, transparent, and centered on citizens,” Abbas said.
He noted that digital transformation has become a national imperative, crucial to Nigeria’s economic competitiveness, accountability, and national security.
Abbas explained that the bill provides a robust legal framework for digital governance, data protection, cybersecurity, and inclusive access to technology. He emphasized that its implementation will ensure no Nigerian—urban or rural—is left behind in the country’s digital advancement.
In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Digital, ICT and Cybersecurity, Rep. Adedeji Olajide, described the public hearing as a demonstration of Nigeria’s collective commitment to building a digitally inclusive, transparent, and efficient governance system.
He commended the robust contributions and expert insights shared by stakeholders, noting that their inputs had enriched the legislative process and strengthened the nation’s digital vision.
Olajide, who co-chaired the hearing alongside Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, expressed appreciation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for their leadership and dedication to reforms aimed at empowering Nigeria’s digital future.
He also lauded the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and heads of key agencies—including NITDA, NIMC, NCC, Galaxy Backbone, as well as civil society representatives—for their technical contributions toward aligning the bill with both global standards and local realities.
In his address, Dr. Tijani assured that President Bola Tinubu will sign the bill into law once it is passed by the National Assembly.
Earlier, Senator Salisu noted that once enacted, the legislation would be the first of its kind in Africa focusing comprehensively on both the digital economy and e-governance.
