By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has taken decisive steps towards ending analogue governance with the introduction of the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025, aimed at transforming public administration through technology-driven systems and innovation.
Speaking at a joint public hearing of the Senate and House Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity, Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen highlighted that the proposed law would mark a major shift in how government functions and how citizens interact with public institutions. 
The initiative seeks to build a smarter, transparent, and accountable Nigeria, powered by digital tools and efficient service delivery frameworks. The legislation is designed to lay the foundation for a fully integrated e-governance system, ensuring seamless communication, real-time data management, and improved access to public services across all sectors.
The bill also aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, reinforcing Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading digital hub in Africa while promoting inclusivity, innovation, and efficiency in governance.
overnment operates and how citizens access services.
According to Abbas, “it is a vision for a new way of governance one that is efficient, transparent, and centered on citizens”.
He restated that Nigeria’s transition to a fully digital governance system is no longer optional but a national imperative essential for economic growth, accountability, and national security.
The proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill is designed to provide a comprehensive legal structure for data protection, cybersecurity, and inclusive digital access, ensuring that every Nigerian—urban or rural—is part of the nation’s technological future.
Chairman House Committee on Digital, ICT and Cybersecurity, Rep. Stanley Olajide, said the public hearing underscored Nigeria’s shared commitment to building a transparent and efficient digital administration.
He praised the wealth of expert contributions from stakeholders, describing them as vital to shaping an effective and realistic digital policy framework.
Olajide, who co-chaired the session with Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, expressed gratitude to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for their vision and leadership in championing the country’s digital transformation.
He also commended the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, along with heads of NITDA, NIMC, NCC, and Galaxy Backbone, for their technical guidance in aligning the bill with international standards while addressing Nigeria’s specific needs.
In his remarks, Dr Tijani assured that President Bola Tinubu was committed to signing the bill into law once passed, describing it as a milestone that will position Nigeria as a continental leader in digital governance.
Senator Salisu noted that once enacted, the legislation would make Nigeria the first African country with a comprehensive law dedicated to the digital economy and e-governance, setting the pace for a more connected, transparent, and efficient public sector.
