In a move to propel Nigeria into the digital age, the government has proposed the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, a transformative piece of legislation that aims to mandate the adoption of electronic communication and processes across public institutions.
The proposed bill, if passed, will require all government agencies and organizations to conduct a wide range of activities electronically, including document filing, information processing, contract management, and even payment processing. This sweeping change is being championed by Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as a crucial step in driving the country’s digital transformation.
“The bill is change-driven. The provisions are very strong, and it’s a culture-shifting bill aimed at driving us towards digitalization,” said Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, Managing partner at DigitA, underscoring the ambitious nature of the proposed legislation.
The bill’s implementation will be overseen by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which will be responsible for developing the necessary frameworks, guidelines, and regulations to ensure compliance. Notably, the bill also includes stiff penalties for non-compliance, with fines of not less than ₦1 million per individual and ₦10 million for corporations.
While the bill’s objectives are laudable, some analysts have raised concerns about its scope and potential implementation challenges. “The bill is a bit overloaded and should have been divided into two separate documents—one for the Digital Economy bill and the other for the E-governance bill,” noted one analyst who requested anonymity.
There are also concerns that some aspects of the bill may overlap with existing laws and regulations, potentially leading to conflicts between the new legislation and established frameworks. “The entire bill should have been a directive from the President to different institutions on how they can come together and achieve e-governance,” Guobadia suggests, highlighting the need for a more collaborative approach.
Despite these concerns, the bill’s potential impact on Nigeria’s public sector cannot be overstated. By mandating the adoption of electronic communication and processes, the government aims to improve public administration, enhance service delivery, and boost digital literacy among government employees.
“The Bill has the potential to significantly improve public administration and service delivery in Nigeria,” notes Davidson Oturu, Managing partner at Nubia Capital. The move aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of increasing digital literacy rates and closing the gap with other African countries that have already made significant strides in e-government development.
However, the success of the bill’s implementation will hinge on the availability of the necessary technological infrastructure, particularly in areas with limited access to digital resources. “The implementation may be difficult because the regulating agency (NITDA) already has a lot on its plate and may not be able to deliver on it,” Guobadia warned.
The bill’s attempt to override the provisions of any other law in matters relating to digital economy and e-government could lead to power struggles between existing government agencies, each with their own mandates and responsibilities.
As Nigeria prepares to take this historic step, it is evident that the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill represents a significant opportunity to transform the country’s public sector. By embracing digital technologies and streamlining administrative processes, the government aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and service delivery for the benefit of all Nigerians.
However, the success of this initiative will require a delicate balance between ambitious goals and practical implementation, as well as effective collaboration among various government agencies and stakeholders. With the right approach and continued commitment, Nigeria can position itself as a regional leader in e-governance and reap the dividends of a truly digitalized public sector.
