Abuja: The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has projected that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will rise from 14.19 percent to 21 percent by 2030. This announcement was made during the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr Tijani, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Adeladan Rafiu, stated that in the first quarter, Nigeria’s digital economy contributed seven trillion naira to the real GDP, accounting for 14.19 percent of the total 49.34 trillion naira GDP. Currently, the sector’s contribution ranges from 16 percent to 18 percent, with strategies in place to increase this to 21 percent by 2030. Tijani emphasized that these figures highlight the current impact and potential of a digitally empowered economy supported by strong legislation.
The minister underscored the significance of the proposed bill, which aims to create a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for digital governance in Nigeria. He expressed confidence that the bill would provide the necessary legal foundation to enhance digital identity, governance, and decision-making processes in the country.
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kachifu Abdullahi, expressed that the bill would accelerate the digitization of Nigeria’s economy. He highlighted ongoing government efforts in digital literacy to enhance citizens’ digital fluency, thereby promoting financial inclusion.
Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), praised the digital economy sector’s consistent growth and substantial contribution to the nation’s economic development. He noted that no other sector has shown such steady progress and impact.
Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, Director-General of Galaxy Backbone (GBB), stressed the importance of digital infrastructure in supporting the digital economy. He acknowledged the government’s significant investment in infrastructure to bolster this sector.