Minister Announces a Public Forum to Discuss National Digital Economy Bill

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has announced a public forum to discuss the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill.

The event, specifically designed for the media, will take place on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the minister, the forum aims to share the contents of the bill and gather input from stakeholders, fostering an inclusive process in its development.

Tijani emphasised the importance of stakeholder input in shaping Nigeria’s digital economy.

“I look forward to the session on Tuesday as we share the contents of the bill and take input from all stakeholders,” the minister said on Sunday in a statement.

The event is expected to bring together media representatives, industry experts, and government officials to discuss the bill’s provisions and its potential impact on the country’s digital landscape.

This event marks the beginning of a series of engagements led by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrimes, chaired by Senator Salisu Shuaib, and the House Committee on Digital and Information Communication Technology, led by Rep. Adedeji Odidi Omo, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

In the same vein, the Minister will engage stakeholders across the country on the digital economy bill.

The bill aimed to advance the nation’s e-governance and digital economy initiatives, according to Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani, who revealed this in a statement published on X on Friday.

He stated that the stakeholder consultations would involve various groups across the country to ensure broad-based support for the bill.

“This is a significant step forward, and we will be initiating a series of engagements over the next few days with the committees to kick off this process,” he stated.

Tijani commended the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrimes, Senator Salisu Shuaib and the Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Technology, Representative Adedeji Omo, for their efforts in advancing the bill.

“Congratulations to Senator @SalisuShuaibA, Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrimes, and Rep. @AdedejiOdidiOmo, Chairman, House Committee on Information and Technology, on the first reading of the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill in the National Assembly,” the minister lauded.

This development is a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to leverage its digital economy and enhance e-governance practices.

It aligns with the core objectives of e-government, which include improving public services, enhancing governmental efficiency, and fostering open participation and empowerment through ICT.

The Nigeria e-Government Masterplan, developed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, supports these efforts by accelerating the digitalisation of government processes.

It serves as a foundational element for the Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020–2030, charting a course for Nigeria’s digital future.