Stakeholders in Oyo State have strongly advocated for the speedy passage of the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, emphasizing its potential to improve governance, transparency, and accountability. During a stakeholders’ engagement held in Ibadan on Tuesday, key figures highlighted the importance of the bill in streamlining government operations and enhancing citizen-government engagement.
The Minister for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Olatunbosun Tijani, represented by Banke Ajagunna, underscored the bill’s role in fostering a digital economy and building trust between the government and citizens. Tijani called on both Nigerians and the National Assembly to support the bill, noting that consultations are being held across the country to gather input from stakeholders.
The National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024, is seen as a critical step toward Nigeria’s digital transformation, aimed at driving economic growth through technology, improving public service delivery, and creating a competitive digital environment. Tijani emphasized the bill’s potential to modernize public services and ensure access to digital services, particularly in underserved areas.
The bill is also expected to foster economic transformation by supporting digital commerce, cross-border trade, and innovation, positioning Nigeria as a leading player in Africa’s digital landscape. Furthermore, it seeks to promote infrastructure and digital literacy programs, ensuring digital access for all citizens.
Mr. Bayo Akande, Senior Special Assistant on ICT and E-Governance to the Oyo State Governor, welcomed the bill, noting that Nigeria’s digital economy is long overdue. Akande highlighted the challenges Nigeria faces in comparison to countries with advanced e-governance frameworks and emphasized that the bill is a crucial step in addressing these challenges and driving economic growth.
Oyo State has already made strides in digital governance, with recent initiatives like Business Process Automation aimed at making government services more efficient and paperless. The passage of the bill is seen as a pivotal move to further enhance digital governance and support international trade and investment in Nigeria’s digital economy.
The event saw the participation of various stakeholders, including leaders from the tech ecosystem, all of whom expressed strong support for the bill’s swift passage.
E-signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State.
November 27, 2024.
