The House of Representatives Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology (ICT), and Cybersecurity, under the leadership of Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, has intensified efforts to engage with citizens and stakeholders on the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.
The bill, which has garnered significant attention, is aimed at transforming Nigeria’s digital landscape and providing a comprehensive legal framework to enhance digital economic activities.
In a statement released to journalists on Saturday, Tolu Mustapha, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Hon. Olajide, revealed that consultations and awareness campaigns have already been held in several states, including Niger, Ondo, Katsina, Lagos, Zamfara, Delta, and Nasarawa.
Mustapha emphasized that the bill’s outreach would eventually cover all 36 states of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The bill, which is jointly sponsored by Hon. Olajide and Senator Shuaib Salisu, is expected to be one of the most significant legislative measures of the current administration.
According to Mustapha, the proposed law will foster the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy by providing a solid legal framework for international digital trade, improving public service delivery and enhancing transparency in digital governance.
“This bill will help harness digital technologies to boost Nigeria’s economic potential, creating an environment conducive to international investments and ensuring more efficient and accountable public services,” Mustapha said.
Hon. Olajide, who according to his media aide, reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the final bill would be a reflection of the people’s views and needs also called on Nigerians to continue supporting the initiative, stressing that their feedback would be crucial in shaping the bill into a law that would benefit the entire nation.
“Nigeria currently lacks a comprehensive law to guide our digital economy. If we can craft a legislation that accelerates the growth of this sector, we will be able to unlock untapped potential. This is a critical opportunity for everyone to contribute towards the bill’s success,” he stated.
The nationwide consultations, which began on October 29, is supported by the World Bank Group’s Identification for Development (ID4D) Initiative, which aims to enhance digital identity systems in developing countries.
The next phase of consultations will take place in Kano, Cross River, Kaduna, Ogun, and Abia states, with additional states to follow in the coming months.
