Tijani spoke on Monday at a public hearing jointly convened
by the senate and house of representatives committees on ICT and cybersecurity.

“This bill is being awaited by President Bola Tinubu for
assent this week, being one of the catalysts for the actualisation of the
projected $1 trillion economy,” Tijani said.

The minister said the legislation would be the first of its
kind in Africa, adding that it reflects Nigeria’s leadership role in driving
digital transformation on the continent.

“This sector, which once contributed about 16 percent to our
GDP, is now tracking at 19 percent,” he said.

“Under the president’s leadership, we are targeting a $1
trillion economy with the digital economy contributing 21 percent to GDP by
2027. This Bill will unlock the private sector’s potential to achieve that
goal.

“Our government is committed not to quick fixes, but to
deep, structural investment — building foundational digital infrastructure and
progressive policies that will open new opportunities nationwide.”

Tijani said the federal government is working with the
national assembly to deploy 90,000km of fibre-optic cable to connect every
state and local government, alongside almost 4,000 new communication towers to
reach underserved communities.

He said the bill also provides for a national data exchange
system to enable seamless information sharing among government agencies, and
establishes a framework for artificial intelligence adoption across critical
sectors.

“In strengthening this Bill, we are shaping the future of
generations yet unborn. The generation that liberalised our telecommunications
sector in 1999 laid the foundation for today’s growth. Now, we take the next
bold step — to expand our economy through technology and innovation,” he said.

Shuaib Salisu, chairman of the senate committee on ICT, said
the proposed law would provide regulatory clarity for electronic transactions
and mandate ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to digitise their
operations and services.

He said the bill is aimed at providing “regulatory clarity
for electronic transactions in the country”.

“This law, when enacted, will serve as the backbone of the
digital economy,” Salisu said.

Adedeji Olajide, chairman of the house of representatives
committee on ICT, said the bill would drive nationwide digital transformation.

Stakeholders at the hearing, including the Nigerian
Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Nigerian
Communications Satellite Limited (NICOMSAT), Galaxy Backbone Limited, and the
office of the head of service, declared support for the legislation.