Nigeria’s National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, an ambitious legislative effort to unify the country’s digital regulations, is nearing presidential approval, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani said on Monday.

The bill is set to be reintroduced to the National Assembly for its second and third readings, following extensive consultations across all 36 states.

Introduced in 2024, the NDEB is designed to provide a comprehensive legal framework for Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy, covering electronic transactions, data protection, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.

Unlike prior laws that addressed these areas piecemeal, the bill adopts a holistic approach to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.

Tijani described it as a “groundbreaking effort” to strengthen the legal foundation of Nigeria’s digital ambitions, aligning with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The bill’s journey began with its public draft release in July 2024, followed by a first reading in the National Assembly. Since late October 2024, it has undergone rigorous consultations across all 36 states, including high-profile sessions in Lagos, Ibadan, Makurdi, and Uyo.

“So far, the draft bill has undergone rigorous review in all 36 states, with inputs from over 2,500 stakeholders across public, private, and civil society sectors,” the minister revealed on X (formerly Twitter).

With consultations now complete, the NDEB is poised for its final legislative hurdles. Passage through the National Assembly’s second and third readings will pave the way for presidential approval, potentially by mid-2025.

The bill is expected to boost investor confidence, enhance digital trust, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global digital economy.

“Next, we will reintroduce the bill to the National Assembly for second and third readings, with a clear target of achieving presidential assent. This will be a major milestone in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda by strengthening the legal backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy,” he said.