Ogun Senator pushes digital governance bill, says Nigeria must modernise
Senator Calls for Legal and Governance Reforms in Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Abeokuta, Nigeria — Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, the senator representing Ogun Central and chair of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to reform its legal and governance systems to keep pace with the global digital economy. During a closing ceremony for a two-week digital skills training program, he noted that while the world is moving forward with technology, “our laws are still analogue.”
The training program, conducted in Abeokuta, was a collaboration between the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. Approximately 350 participants were trained in various areas, including cybersecurity, content creation, and digital skills.
Salisu pointed out the significance of such training, stressing that the future belongs to those who embrace technology. “The digital economy is growing, and we must focus on two crucial areas: education and ICT skills,” he stated.
Highlighting the rise of global digital platforms, Salisu warned that individuals lacking digital skills risk being sidelined in today’s economy. “Any citizen without ICT skills is impaired in their capabilities,” he added.
Participants underwent a week of virtual training followed by a week of hands-on practical sessions before receiving laptops. Salisu reassured that the laptops were given to those properly trained, discouraging resale.
Addressing the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill currently under consideration in the National Assembly, Salisu described it as a significant legacy project aimed at modernizing governance in Nigeria. “This bill is in its final stage, and I want to leave it as a hallmark of my first term in the Senate. The society has gone digital; our laws remain analogue. This bill will create a regulated environment for electronic transactions,” he said.
The legislation aims to compel government agencies to digitize their operations and promote a national digital exchange system for seamless data sharing among institutions.
Salisu expressed confidence that the bill would be approved and signed into law prior to the National Assembly’s recess later this year.
Discussing electronic voting and Nigeria’s advancements in digital technology, the senator noted that the country has made significant progress. He cited the initiatives by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, mentioning that officials from other African nations have visited Nigeria to study its admission processes.
While acknowledging that further work is necessary, he highlighted ongoing investments in broadband infrastructure through the federal government’s fiber optic expansion project, which he believes will enhance digital connectivity and support future electronic voting initiatives.
