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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu representing Ogun Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, has disclosed that the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, when signed into law, will minimise corruption, enhance data exchange between government agencies, and prepare Nigeria for artificial intelligence.
He added that the legislation will equally compel all government ministries and agencies such as Health, Agriculture, Education, and Humanitarian Affairs, to digitize their operations.
Salisu who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, however, assured that the bill is set to be signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before the end of 2025.
The senator stated this at the 6th Ogun Digital Summit, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The summit with the theme, “Building a Digital Economy for Sustainable Growth”, which was declared open by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, brought together innovators, founders, and tech leaders.
The Senator disclosed that the bill, which has undergone thorough legislative processes including retreats and public hearings, will be presented for final reading in the Senate next week.
Salisu emphasized that the bill, when it is assented to by the president, will birth a transformative shift that will create massive job opportunities for Nigerian youths.
“The National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill aims to minimise corruption, enhance data exchange between government agencies, and prepare Nigeria for artificial intelligence.
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“Additionally, it will grant electronic documents and digital signatures the same legal status as their physical counterparts, modernising the country’s legal framework for the digital age.
“Just imagine the number of jobs and opportunities that will be created, Senator Salisu stated. For those of you here who have acquired digital skills, you can use those skills to digitise any government agency you choose”, he stated.
The Senator urged participants at the summit to seize the opportunities presented by the digital economy, noting that Nigeria is home to seven out of ten unicorns in Africa.
“If you think Nigeria’s glass is half full, you have an opportunity to tap into the full benefits of this digital summit,” Salisu submitted.
The Summit’s organiser, Mr Victor Adeleye, emphasised the importance of building a robust tech ecosystem within Ogun State to prevent startups from relocating to Lagos.
He disclosed that the summit has supported over 7,500 talents since its inception in 2020, with many going on to build revenue-generating solutions.
In her remarks, the deputy governor reaffirmed the Ogun State government’s commitment to collaboration and youth empowerment, stating, “We must collaborate, share knowledge, and lift one another as we rise.”
Other dignitaries at the event included Mrs Adijat Adeleye, Commissioner for Women Affairs; Afolabi Moruf Afuape, representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives; Dr Bola Akindele, a Nigerian entrepreneur, among others.
The highlight of the event was Senator Salisu’s presentation of a pavilion laptop to Mr Imisioluwa Adeniyi, the winner of a quick current affairs quiz, symbolising the empowerment and recognition of young talent in the digital space.
