Abuja: Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has disclosed that the digital economy will contribute 21% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030, up from the current contribution of 14.19%. He made this known at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) national digital economy and E-Governance bill stakeholders engagement on Thursday in Abuja.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the minister, represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu, highlighted that in the first quarter of 2035, the digital economy contributed approximately seven trillion Naira to Nigeria’s real GDP, accounting for 14.19% of the country’s 49.34 trillion GDP. He noted that the sector currently contributes 16-18% of GDP, with strategies in place to increase this to 21% by 2030.
Speaking on the importance of the proposed bill, he stated that the National Digital and E-Government Bill aims to establish a robus
t legal and regulatory framework to guide the implementation of digital governance in Nigeria. The bill is expected to provide a solid legal foundation necessary for driving digital identity, aiding governance, and enhancing overall decision-making in the country.
Kachifu Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), remarked on the collective efforts being made to build a legal and institutional framework for the national digital economy. He emphasized that this framework would accelerate the digitization of the Nigerian economy as government services become digital, and infrastructure is developed to connect underserved areas. He also highlighted ongoing government initiatives in digital literacy to educate citizens and improve digital fluency, thereby deepening financial inclusion.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, in his goodwill message, observed that the digital economy sector is the most consistent
in growth. He expressed confidence in the sector’s continued contribution to the nation’s economic growth.