The Nigerian National Assembly, in recent times, has proposed a notable step towards transforming Nigeria’s digital economy with the first reading of the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, which was sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Digital and Information Technology. Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide.
The bill, which aims to provide a framework for the development and regulation of the digital economy, was read for the first time on the floor of the House of Representatives in the middle of July.
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Objectives of the Bill
The bill, in details, seeks to enhance the use of modern digital technology to grow the nation’s economy, to create an enabling environment for fair competition to promote innovation, growth, and competitiveness for the Nigerian Digital Economy, it seeks to create export-oriented capacities in digital economy to improve the nation’s balance of trade and services among a lot of other things.
It applies to all public service institutions, private establishments, individuals and organizations conducting digital activities in Nigeria.
If passed into law, the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance bill will mandate public institutions across Nigeria to adopt electronic communication for official correspondence, contracts, and legal proceedings. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will be responsible for implementing the bill when passed.
Olatunbosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, released a draft of the bill weeks after it passed a first reading at the National Assembly. Public institutions will conduct activities and functions electronically, including accepting document filings, information processing, document creation and retention, permit or license issuing, and payment processing once the bill is passed.
The minister stated this during a media parley to sensitize the public about the Bill, in the presence of, Shuaib Salisu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and, Hon. Stanley Adedeji, Cyber Security and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on ICT and cyber security.
How Does This Affect Nigerians?
With over 50% of Nigerians lacking digital skills and being unable to utilize data services (as indicated in the 2021 World Bank Development Report), these numbers seem to be growing day-by-day. With an increasing population, the digital economy seems to be an untapped resource.
Mr. Tijani explained that about $18.3 billion is estimated to produce by the Digital economy sector in Nigeria to the Nigerian economy, an indication of the sector’s critical role to the country, adding that the bill which is in its second reading will increase its capacity and attract more investments.
The minister said “It is a bill that is important for all of our people and we want to give them the opportunity to review it. We believe that the bill will support the growth and transformation of the Nigerian economy through the application and the use of digital technology in all facets of life in Nigeria. This bill will create the enabling environment for fair competition, to promote innovation, growth and competitiveness for the Nigerian economy.”
“The bill has the potential to unlock opportunities and raise productivity in every other sector. If the digital economy is strong, it will catalyse development and progress in for instance education. We can use technology to better educate our people to create jobs for our young people.”, he added.
“Nigeria is the future of the world because of our young population, but we must strengthen the digital sector with more investment,” the minister further said. Meanwhile the National Assembly said the National Digital economy and the E-governance bill currently before it, has the potential to transform Nigeria’s digital economy and provide sustainable development.
Conclusion
The bill may consist of many obscurities in technical standards and potential implementation challenges, it marks a significant step forward in the nation’s journey towards a digital transformation. The bill offers numerous opportunities to innovate and expand, for different businesses.
With improved digital infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment, businesses can take advantage of different digital tools to strengthen operations and reach new markets within and outside Nigeria. Additionally, individuals stand to benefit from improved access to digital services, and better governance through e-Governance initiatives.
By establishing a clear legal framework for electronic transactions, enhancing digital government services, and supporting international digital trade, the Bill situates Nigeria as a potential leader in the African digital topography.