Abuja July 9, 2024 – The federal government projects to generate N18.3 billion from digital economy sector by 2026.
Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
The press conference, organised by the House of Representatives, was on the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill.
The minister said the bill was long overdue to properly and fully harness the potential of the sector in the country.
He said: “For those who follow the growth and trajectory of our economy in Nigeria, you should probably know that the ICT sector contributes about 13 to 18 percent of GDP. In Q4 2023 the sector contributed about 16.6 percent of GDP.
“The Bill we are here today is a Bill that will accelerate the progress in our digital economy. There is no clear legislation that is pushing competition and ensuring development in that digital space.
“Today this Bill which we are here to support, our hope is also that it will also be the first Bill that would travel across the entire country. We have to ensure we take it to every state. It’s an important Bill for all Nigerians and we want to give them the opportunity to give us feedback.
“The Bill will support the growth and transformation of Nigeria’s economy through the application and use of the digital economy in all facets of life in Nigeria.
“It will create the enabling environment for fair competition to promote innovation, growth and competitiveness of the Nigerian economy,” he said.
“We don’t want this Bill to be misunderstood. We want you to have an understanding of what this Bill seeks to do.
“This Bill is not about levies, it’s not about commissions, but creating an environment for the digital economy to thrive and we cannot do that without the partnership of the media,” he said.
Stanley Olajide, the Chairman of the House Committee on Digital and Information Communication Technology, described the bill as a crucial legislation that has the potential to transform the nation’s digital economy and position it for sustainable development in Nigeria.
“It is comprehensive legislation that seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the digital economy for digital literacy and skills development, enhanced cyber security and encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. It has the potential to unlock Nigeria’s digital potential and improve the lives of Nigerians.” (GBN)
