The Federal Government has unveiled a new bill aimed at transforming Nigeria’s digital economy through digital growth, if passed into law.
Led by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the initiative seeks to harness digital technologies to propel economic advancement nationwide.
According to the bill, “it would enhance the use of digital technology to support growth and transformation of Nigeria’s economy through application and use of digital technology in all facets of life in Nigeria.”
The bill, introduced in the National Assembly last week, comprises 16 parts and over 60 sections covering critical areas such as electronic transactions, digital contracts, AI integration in public services, and cybersecurity measures. It aims to facilitate secure data exchange, enhance digital literacy, and streamline government operations for increased efficiency and service delivery.
According to the bill, “it would enhance the use of digital technology to support growth and transformation of Nigeria’s economy through application and use of digital technology in all facets of life in Nigeria.”
The Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovations, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) stated that the unveiling of the bill initiates a nationwide consultation process involving stakeholders from various sectors, including media, ICT industry leaders, and digital economy advocates. Public workshops and hearings will be conducted to refine the bill’s provisions, with the final draft expected to be released to the public by July 23, 2024.
Highlights of the bill:
Objectives and Scope
The bill outlines several key objectives aimed at leveraging digital technology for economic growth and transformation in Nigeria:
1. Create an enabling environment for fair competition, innovation, and competitiveness within the Nigerian economy.
2. Mandate and promote digital transformation in public institutions and government processes to enhance service delivery efficiency.
3. Establish a framework for secure, reliable, and confidential data exchange to foster reusability and innovation.
4. Improve citizen-oriented service delivery and ensure the safety and accessibility of technology in all phases of Nigerian life.
5. Develop digital literacy systematically to empower citizens to benefit from digital services and improve their quality of life.
Application and Structure
The bill applies comprehensively to public service institutions, private companies, and organizations utilising digital technology for transactions or service provision in Nigeria. Structured into 16 parts and encompassing over 60 sections, the bill covers essential topics including:
1. Validity of electronic transactions
2. Digital contracts, signatures, and timestamps
3. Utilization of digital technology to support logistics and goods carriage
4. Consumer protection in digital transactions
Administration and management of digital government infrastructure
5. Use of AI and blockchains for public services
6. Data exchange, interoperability, and information security in government
7.Innovation and procurement of digital technology in Nigeria’s public sector
8. Promotion of digital literacy to increase digital service usage in Nigeria
Process for Enactment
The bill’s enactment process includes strategic steps to ensure thorough stakeholder engagement and legislative efficiency:
1. Initiation with media engagements to educate the public on the bill’s objectives and benefits.
2. The final draft of the bill will be publicly available by July 23, 2024.
3. Nationwide stakeholder engagements across all states and the FCT to gather feedback and assess applicability.
4. Collaboration with tech hubs, the Nigerian Computer Society, and related bodies to ensure broad engagement and input.
5. Technical workshops will refine the bill’s content, incorporating expert opinions.
6. The legislative process in the National Assembly involves multiple readings and public hearings to ensure comprehensive review and momentum towards passage by year-end.
Principles for Engagement and Enactment
The bill is guided by principles focused on inclusivity, technical expertise, future readiness, and human-centered approaches to ensure that the law supports ongoing change and transformation in Nigeria’s digital economy.
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