The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has commended Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Ogun Central) as his bill, *The National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2025*, passed its second reading on the Senate floor.
Leading the debate, Senator Salisu emphasised that the bill holds immense promise for Nigeria’s future, particularly in workforce development and economic growth. The legislation, which was first read on July 4, 2024, seeks to establish a structured legal framework for the development and regulation of Nigeria’s digital economy and e-governance systems.
According to Salisu, the bill is a strategic pillar for 21st-century governance, economic diversification, and national competitiveness. “It aims to create a comprehensive legal framework for secure electronic transactions, responsible technology deployment, and digitised governance,” he stated. The bill also institutionalises e-government and introduces ethical governance for artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
Senator Salisu stressed the urgency of the bill, noting that as countries worldwide accelerate their digital transitions, Nigeria must modernise its digital ecosystem to remain competitive. “This bill ensures our institutions, economy, and citizens are prepared for the demands and opportunities of a digital future,” he added.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, described the bill as crucial for Nigeria’s economic improvement. “Every sound economy in the world is anchored on pragmatic digital service delivery and governance. This bill is geared towards the advancement of our economy and nation as a whole,” he said.
The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), also voiced strong support, highlighting the bill’s relevance in the era of AI dominance. “The world is moving towards the digital age, and AI is becoming increasingly prominent. This bill provides the necessary legal backing for AI and the digital economy,” he stated.
Following extensive debate, the bill was passed for a second reading through a voice vote and referred to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity for further legislative action. The committee is expected to report back within four weeks.
If enacted, the bill is projected to significantly boost Nigeria’s digital economy, increasing its contribution to GDP from the current 16–18% to as high as 22% by 2030. Additionally, it could save the government up to N300 billion annually by reducing paperwork and inefficiencies while creating over 1.5 million digital jobs through reskilling, innovation hubs, and startup support.
With the bill now advancing to the committee stage, lawmakers and stakeholders are optimistic that its eventual passage will position Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy, leveraging AI and e-governance to drive transparency, innovation, and inclusive growth.
