Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda hit a critical juncture yesterday as telecommunication operators faulted the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025, citing regulatory overlaps, AI governance concerns, and potential constraints on sectoral independence.
Speaking at a public hearing organized by the Senate and House Joint Committee on ICT, Cybersecurity, and Digital Technology, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) outlined the key areas where the bill could undermine efficiency and investor confidence if left unaddressed.
Telecommunication Operators Fault E-Governance Bill on Overlaps and AI Regulation
ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, emphasized that the bill’s provisions on artificial intelligence and e-governance intersect dangerously with the statutory mandate of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“The Bill vests broad powers in the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) that overlap with NCC’s regulatory jurisdiction.
A clear delineation is critical: NITDA should lead on digital policy and e-governance, while NCC maintains oversight on telecom infrastructure and services,” Adebayo said.
He also noted that AI regulation must follow international best practices, distinguishing between policy guidance, which should remain under NITDA, and technical regulation, which falls under NCC.
Countries like the UK, India, and the European Union follow this dual structure to ensure innovation while maintaining accountability.
Furthermore, Adebayo highlighted concerns about “trust service providers,” cautioning that certification and liability frameworks should not add compliance burdens to private operators already regulated by NCC.
ALTON proposed that these provisions apply primarily to public sector platforms, rather than private telecom operators.
Institutional Independence and Ministerial Oversight
Telecommunication operators also faulted the e-governance bill on issues surrounding ministerial directives and regulatory independence.
ALTON recommended revising Section 82 to ensure operational autonomy aligns with global standards, thereby boosting investor confidence and fostering a predictable regulatory environment.
The operators urged the legislature to incorporate a National Digital Cooperation and Interoperability Framework into the bill. This would formalize collaboration between NITDA, NCC, National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to prevent policy fragmentation and promote coherent governance.
Lawmakers and Government Officials Support Digital Transformation
While highlighting these concerns, ALTON expressed full support for the bill’s objectives to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Abiodun Ishaq Akinlade, described the bill as a “historic leap” toward enabling efficient governance, enhancing national security, and promoting public sector transparency.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, commended lawmakers for their diligence, stressing that the ICT and digital economy sector now contributes 19% to GDP, up from a previous range of 16–18%, with a goal of reaching 21% by the end of President Tinubu’s term.
He highlighted that over 20 million Nigerians remain unconnected, noting government efforts to expand internet access to nearly 4,000 underserved communities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru, reinforced the importance of the bill, stressing its potential to transform governance, recognize digital communications legally, and harmonize existing laws for clarity in a digital economy.
Toward a Balanced Digital Economy Framework
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, emphasized that the legislation, once passed, would be Africa’s first comprehensive digital economy and e-governance law.
It seeks to regulate electronic transactions, mandate government digitization, and establish a strong legal framework for Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Hon. Adedeji Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, echoed the view, asserting that the bill would serve as the backbone for national digital transformation.
Key stakeholders, including NCC, NICOMSAT, NIPOST, Galaxy Backbone, and the Office of the Head of Service, voiced support for the proposed legislation, recognizing its potential to enhance efficiency, transparency, and innovation across Nigeria’s digital landscape.
The public hearing highlighted the balance that must be struck between regulatory oversight and innovation.
Telecommunication operators fault e-governance bill provisions where overlaps and ambiguities exist, but all parties agreed on the bill’s transformative potential.
As Nigeria navigates the digital age, clarity in institutional roles, collaboration across agencies, and adherence to international best practices will determine the success of the country’s digital economy ambitions.
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