The Oyo State government, alongside key stakeholders, has called for the expedited passage of the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill to enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in governance.
The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ engagement forum held in Ibadan on Tuesday. Participants emphasized the bill’s potential to streamline government processes and improve engagement between the government and citizens.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Olatunbosun Tijani, represented by Banke Ajagunna, highlighted the critical importance of the proposed bill. He noted that its passage would advance Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, bolster trust between the government and the public, and facilitate economic growth through digital innovation.
According to the Minister, nationwide consultative engagements are ongoing to gather input from stakeholders. He described the bill as pivotal to Nigeria’s efforts to establish a robust digital economy and e-governance framework, aiming to improve public service delivery and foster a competitive digital environment.
The Minister outlined the bill’s benefits, including:
- Economic Transformation: Establishing a regulatory foundation to encourage digital commerce, cross-border trade, and innovation, thereby positioning Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s digital landscape.
- Modernized, Citizen-Centric Public Services: Digitally transforming government services to make them more transparent, accessible, and responsive.
- Digital Access for All: Promoting infrastructure development and digital literacy programs to ensure equitable access to digital services, even in underserved regions.
He also highlighted the bill’s potential to attract international trade and investments while providing a legal framework to support export-oriented capacities in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Earlier, Bayo Akande, Senior Special Assistant on ICT and E-Governance to the Oyo State Governor, praised the Federal Government’s initiative. He remarked that the bill is overdue, given the critical challenges Nigeria faces in developing a robust digital economy.
“Despite advancements in technology, Nigeria still lags behind countries with strong e-governance frameworks that empower citizens and protect consumer data. Without intervention, we risk losing valuable economic opportunities in an increasingly digital world,” Akande warned.
He noted that Oyo State has already begun integrating digital methods into governance, citing the recent deployment of Business Process Automation to make government services paperless. “The bill is a step in the right direction and aligns with Oyo’s vision of modern governance,” he added.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including leaders from the tech ecosystem, who reiterated the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the bill.
