FG extends consultation on e-governance bill to Kebbi, three others

The Federal Government will continue its nationwide consultations on the Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, with plans to visit four more states this week.

This follows earlier discussions in 16 states, aimed at gathering input from all regions to shape the legal framework for Nigeria’s digital economy.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said in a statement obtained on Monday that the upcoming consultations will take place in Kebbi, Oyo, Anambra, and Sokoto.

The sessions are part of a broader initiative to ensure the proposed bill reflects the diverse needs of Nigeria’s digital landscape.

Tijani said, “Our engagement on the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill has taken us to 16 states so far, and we will be heading to 4 more states—Kebbi, Oyo, Anambra, and Sokoto—next week.

“The discussions across the sessions have been quite enthusiastic, and I am thankful for the support of various state governments and stakeholders in this process.

“We look forward to more input as we work with the National Assembly to deliver a robust bill that supports our efforts to grow our digital economy.”

The bill, which the World Bank is funding, aims to improve data interoperability, enhance digital services, and expand private sector access to government data. Once passed, it is expected to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

The National Assembly has been integral to the bill’s development, with the Chair of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, and House Committee Chair on ICT and Cybersecurity, Adedeji Olajide, actively collaborating with the Ministry to make the process inclusive.