Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, says that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can receive a major boost from the digital economy, with contributions projected to rise to 21 per cent by 2030, if the proposed National Digital and E-Governance Bill is passed into law.
Speaking at a stakeholder validation workshop on the bill on Thursday in Abuja, the minister, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Rafiu Adeladan. described the bill as a defining step towards shaping a resilient and inclusive digital economy.
“Today (Thursday) marks a defining moment in our collective efforts to shape a resilient, inclusive, and future-proof digital economy for Nigeria. This gathering provides us with a unique opportunity to deliberate on the provisions of the Bill, validate its framework, and agree on a shared path towards its successful implementation,” he said.
He explained that the bill will anchor Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda within law, providing a strong legal and regulatory framework for digital governance, improving service delivery, and building public confidence in e-governance, digital trade, and secure transactions.
The minister noted that the digital economy has already made significant contributions to growth, adding N7tn to real GDP in the first quarter of 2025, representing 14.19 per cent of total GDP.
The sector, he noted, currently contributes between 16 and 18 per cent, with strategies in place to increase this to 21 per cent by 2030.
“At present, the sector contributes 16–18 per cent of GDP, with well-defined strategies to increase this to 21 per cent by 2030. These figures demonstrate both the current impact and the vast potential of a unified, digitally empowered economy driven by robust legislation,” he added.
He commended the National Assembly, particularly Senator Shuaib Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, and Stanley Adedeji, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Technology, for their commitment to advancing the bill.
He said their role was vital to securing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital era. The minister also highlighted the unprecedented level of stakeholder engagement that had gone into the drafting of the bill, with consultations conducted across all 36 states of the federation.
“Over the past months, an extensive nationwide stakeholder engagement has been conducted across the 36 States of the Federation. This historic process, facilitated by the law firm of Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe, ensured that the voices and perspectives of sub-national governments, ecosystem actors, civil society, and private sector stakeholders are embedded in this Bill.
“It is the first time in our history that a legislative instrument of this nature has undergone such a broad, inclusive consultation,” he noted, acknowledging the support of partners such as the Nigerian Digital Identification for Development project.
The bill, Tijani explained, seeks to promote interoperability across ministries, departments, and agencies; strengthen digital identity and secure data exchange; enhance governance processes; and drive innovation in both the public and private sectors.
He urged stakeholders to make robust contributions to the validation workshop to ensure that the bill reflects the aspirations of Nigerians.
GIK/APA