What will Nigeria’s digital future look like if a new bill rewrites the rules on who calls the shots? In a move that has fueled both hope and uncertainty across Nigeria’s rapidly-growing tech sector, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has raised the alarm over the proposed National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2025, currently before the National Assembly.
Why does this matter for ordinary Nigerians? Imagine waking up tomorrow and finding your favourite mobile network scrambling to adapt to a maze of new regulations—network issues, costly data, and slowed innovation could suddenly become dinnertime gist. This isn’t just government policy tucked away in some filing cabinet. It’s a potential turning point that could affect every call you make, every WhatsApp chat, and every online business deal happening across the country.
National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill: Explosive Debate Unfolds
Tempers flared at the National Assembly in Abuja, as Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON’s chairman, took centre stage at a joint public hearing with the Senate and House Committees on ICT, Cybersecurity, and Digital Economy. He didn’t mince words—according to Adebayo, certain sections of the draft bill threaten to “create unnecessary regulatory overlaps,” potentially undermining investor confidence in a sector that millions of Nigerians depend on.
At the heart of the controversy? Control. The bill reportedly aims to assign significant regulatory powers for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)—controls presently administered by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). For many industry insiders, it’s like handing your keke driver’s steering wheel to another conductor mid-journey.
Telecom Operators Plead: “Don’t Break What’s Working”
According to Adebayo, ALTON fully supports efforts to modernise Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. However, he urged lawmakers to tread with caution—a warning that the legislation, if not harmonised with existing sector laws, could “erode hard-won investor trust” and risk stalling the sector’s progress. In his own words, the aim should be “complementing what’s on ground, not dismantling it piece by piece.”
- Possible regulatory confusion: Who will telecoms answer to—NITDA or NCC?
- Investor worries: International backers might think twice if Nigeria’s rules keep shifting like Lagos traffic.
- Service delivery risks: More bureaucracy could slow innovation and affect everyday digital services.
For Nigerians who have seen firsthand the leap from payphone queues to mobile banking and online classes, any setback in digital growth feels personal. After all, nobody wants “network wahala” to get even worse.
Lawmakers Listen: Balanced Steps or Bureaucratic Bottlenecks?
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chair of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, assured the nation that the committee “would carefully consider” ALTON’s submission before finalising the bill. It’s a tall order—striking a balance between strong regulation and healthy competition has tested policymakers across Africa, from Ghana to South Africa.
Many local experts echo ALTON’s concerns. According to Lagos-based tech analyst Ruth Okonkwo, overlapping mandates between NITDA and NCC could “open the floodgates for confusion, litigation, and unnecessary delays” in launching new networks and digital products. “This isn’t a small matter,” she added, “because digital policy touches everything from naira payments to startups seeking global partners.”
Nigeria’s Digital Economy: Making African Headlines
Despite the heated debate, not all the news spells doom. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, struck an optimistic note. According to him, Nigeria is on course to set new African standards for digital transformation. During the public hearing, Dr. Tijani celebrated the country’s digital economy jump—from 16% to 19% of GDP—while eyeing an ambitious target of 21% by 2027. For context, digital economies in countries like Rwanda and Kenya hover at lower percentages, making Nigeria’s leap one of the most talked-about on the continent.
“We are not pursuing quick fixes,” Dr. Tijani insisted. “We’re investing in deep structural solutions—laying 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic networks, building nearly 4,000 new communication towers, launching a national data exchange system, and developing frameworks for artificial intelligence adoption. That’s the kind of groundwork that shapes tomorrow’s economy, not just today’s connections.”
How Will the Bill Affect the Average Nigerian?
On paper, the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill promises a brighter digital future. Among its notable features:
- Regulatory clarity for electronic transactions—boosting fintech and e-commerce opportunities for SMEs and startups.
- Mandatory digitisation of government services, which could mean less “come back tomorrow” at public offices.
- A robust e-governance backbone—potentially faster, safer public service delivery.
But here’s the real gist: Will all this new regulation solve age-old issues or simply add more eyes to the pot? Nigeria’s history with reforms—think the many attempts at power sector revival—often reminds citizens to “shine their eye” whenever sweeping promises are on the table.
Local Voices: Industry Experts and Street-Level Reactions
While industry leaders argue about structure and mandates, the average Akure or Enugu resident simply wants reliable, affordable internet—no drama. Chukwudi, a small business owner in Owerri, says, “I just want data that doesn’t finish once you blink. If this new bill will help, let’s see action. But if it means more red tape, abeg, government should listen to people on the ground.”
Nigerian digital rights groups have also stepped in. According to the Paradigm Initiative, robust protections for user privacy and digital freedoms must feature in any final version, so ordinary people benefit—not just big corporations or government agencies.
Where Does Nigeria Stand Globally?
As Africa’s largest economy and the continent’s most populous nation, Nigeria’s digital choices set a pace that smaller neighbours often copy. Experts note that strong, investor-friendly regulation propelled countries like Estonia to the top of the global e-governance rankings—the kind of reputation Nigeria’s Silicon Valley hopefuls dream about.
Still, the journey ahead is lined with both promise and potholes. Nigeria’s digital sector is a lifeline for fintech, remote jobs, and education—sectors vital in a country where more than half the youth face unemployment or underemployment. Will this bill help more Nigerians leap into the digital economy, or will it create new hurdles for aspiring entrepreneurs and everyday users?
Key Takeaways: Nigeria’s Digital Bill at a Crossroads
- ALTON and industry experts urge lawmakers to harmonise digital and telecom regulations—no fighting for control in the same ‘kitchen’.
- Potential gains: better service delivery, clarity for investors, and modernised government services.
- Potential risks: Bureaucratic bottlenecks, overlapping mandates, and loss of investor trust.
- Nigerians from all walks of life want practical, transparent progress—no more policy for policy’s sake.
As President Bola Tinubu prepares to sign the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill into law, the whole nation watches closely. Could this be the moment that launches Nigeria’s digital sector into new greatness—or will familiar challenges slow the race for growth? For now, only time—and the resolve of lawmakers—will tell.
What are your thoughts on Nigeria’s ambitious digital transformation plans? Do you believe new regulations will bring progress or problems for daily life and business? Drop your comments below, and don’t forget to follow us for expert updates as the story unfolds!
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