Fresh momentum gathered on Monday, the 10th of November, 2025, around the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025, as President Bola Tinubu is expected to give assent this week.
The move will push Nigeria into a new phase of digital growth and make the country the first in Africa to operate with this type of legal framework.
Hints about the signing came during a one-day public hearing on the bill. Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu and Hon. Adedeji Olajide, who led the Senate and House Joint Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity, disclosed that both chambers plan to lay and pass the bill for third reading within the week.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, also confirmed that the President is on standby.
According to him, “This bill is being awaited by President Bola Tinubu for assent this week, being one of the catalysts for the actualisation of the projected $1 trillion economy.”
During his presentation, Tijani explained that the legislation would be the first on the continent, saying it shows Nigeria’s leadership in technology.
He stressed that: “This sector, which once contributed about 16 per cent to our GDP, is now tracking at 19 per cent. Under the President’s leadership, we are targeting a $1 trillion economy with the digital economy contributing 21 per cent to GDP by 2027. This bill will unlock the private sector’s potential to achieve that goal.
“Our government is committed not to quick fixes, but to deep, structural investment building foundational digital infrastructure and progressive policies that will open new opportunities nationwide.
“Together with the National Assembly, we are driving the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network to connect every geopolitical zone, state, and local government with world-class internet access.
“Beyond this, we are addressing the needs of over 20 million unconnected Nigerians by deploying nearly 4,000 new communication towers in currently underserved communities.
“The bill also provides for a national data exchange system, ensuring seamless information sharing among MDAs and between government and the private sector.
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“It further establishes a framework for artificial intelligence adoption enabling Nigeria to leapfrog in competitiveness and productivity across critical sectors.
“In strengthening this bill, we are shaping the future of generations yet unborn. As the African proverb says, ‘wise elders plant trees whose shade they will never sit under.’
“The generation that liberalised our telecommunications sector in 1999 laid the foundation for today’s growth. Now, we take the next bold step to expand our economy through technology and innovation.”
In his welcome address, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu noted that the draft law will be the first of its class in Africa once completed. He explained the purpose:
“The objective of this bill is to provide regulatory clarity for electronic transactions in the country. The second objective is to mandate government agencies to digitalise their operations and services. The law, when put in place, will serve as the backbone of the digital economy.”
Hon. Adedeji Olajide shared the same view, adding that the legislation would drive nationwide digital transformation once operational.