NASS pledges speedy passage of digital economy and e-Governance bill

The National Assembly has expressed its commitment to speedily pass the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill to revolutionalise the economy.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Sen. Shuaib Salisu, made the commitment on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ roundtable in Abuja.

He said the bill was important as it was the first attempt to put an omnibus legislation to cater for online activities.

According to the senator, the bill, when passed into law will revolutionise the economy and also unleash the full potential of the ICT sector.

Salisu said that the ICT sector was a critical segment that other sectors depended on to function optimally.

“This bill was introduced in the senate less than a week ago. We are engaging the media first because the media is critical to the successful passage of the bill.

“As members of the National Assembly, we are committed and want to pass this bill before the end of this year so it can take effect from 2025.

“We do not 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 is not about commission but creating an environment for the digital economy to thrive and we cannot do that without the partnership of the media,” he said.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to hold the legislators accountable on the commitment made to pass the bill.

Also, the Chairman, House Committee on Digital and Information Communication Technology, Rep. Stanley Olajide, said that the bill would be a crucial legislation.

He explained that it had the potential to transform the nation’s digital economy and position it for sustainable development in Nigeria.

“The bill which has undergone first reading in the National Assembly aims to provide a legal framework for the development and regulation of our digital economy.

“It is a comprehensive legislation that seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the digital economy for digital literacy and skills development.

“It will enhance cyber security and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship; it has the potential to unlock Nigeria’s digital potential and improve the lives of Nigerians,” he said.

Olajide expressed the commitment on the assembly to ensure an inclusive process in the development of the bill.

According to him, we recognise the importance of collaboration with stakeholders in ensuring legislation that reflects the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

He said that the event marked the beginning of a series of engagements with various stakeholders and the general public.