In a landmark announcement that promises to reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu has declared that the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill will be signed into law before the end of 2025, creating what he described as “massive job opportunities” for Nigerian youth.
The Senator, representing Ogun Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, made the declaration at the 6th Ogun Digital Summit held at the Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta.
Addressing a gathering of innovators, tech leaders, and government officials including Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Senator Salisu revealed the bill has completed all legislative stages and will be presented for final reading in the Senate next week.
“This bill compels government agencies to digitise their operations – it’s not optional,” Senator Salisu emphasised. “Just imagine the number of jobs and opportunities that will be created. For those of you here who have acquired digital skills, you can use those skills to digitise any government agency you choose.”
The legislation mandates all ministries – including Health, Agriculture, Education, and Humanitarian Affairs – to transition from paper-based to digital operations. Senator Salisu outlined multiple benefits: reducing corruption, improving service delivery to citizens, enhancing data exchange between agencies, and preparing Nigeria for artificial intelligence adoption.
Crucially, the bill provides legal recognition for electronic documents and digital signatures, bringing Nigeria’s analogue laws into the digital age. “When you click a button to sign an agreement online, that agreement will have the same legal effect as a paper document,” the Senator explained.
The summit, themed “Building a Digital Economy for Sustainable Growth,” also featured insights from the event organiser, Mr Victor Adeleye, who highlighted the summit’s success in supporting over 7,500 tech talents since its inception in 2020. He emphasised the need to build Ogun State’s tech ecosystem to prevent startups from relocating to Lagos.
Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, in her opening address, reinforced the state’s commitment to digital growth, stating: “We must collaborate, share knowledge, connect programmes and lift one another as we rise.”
The event saw a cross-section of dignitaries, including Hon. Afolabi Moruf Afape (Abeokuta South Federal Constituency), Hon. Adijat Adeleye (Commissioner for Women Affairs), Dr Bola Akindele (entrepreneur), and Police PRO Omolola Odutola.
A highlight was Senator Salisu’s presentation of a pavilion laptop to Mr Imisioluwa Adeniyi, winner of a quick current affairs quiz, symbolising the empowerment of young digital talent in line with the summit’s objectives.
