Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has announced that Nigeria’s digital economy is projected to generate up to N18.3 billion by 2026. He shared this information during a media briefing on the proposed Nigerian Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill in Abuja.
Tijani emphasized the bill’s significance, stating it would establish a legal framework to accelerate progress in the digital economy. He described the digital economy sector as the “backbone of modern economies” and crucial for national prosperity.
Citing the success of Nigerian unicorn companies like Flutterwave, Jumia, Andela, and Interswitch, Tijani highlighted the sector’s potential to elevate the country significantly. He also noted that the bill would foster job creation in the tech sector, address current deficits, and provide a regulatory framework to spur growth and innovation.
Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), also spoke on the bill’s importance. Represented by Acting Director Emmanuel Elder, he emphasized its comprehensive nature, covering 16 parts and over 60 sections aimed at enhancing digital transactions, consumer protection, and promoting technologies like Artificial Intelligence and blockchain.
The committee heads in the Senate and House of Representatives have pledged legislative support for the bill’s adoption and implementation.