NITDA Set to Become Nigeria’s Digital Super-Regulator Under New E-Governance Bill
Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to become the country’s most powerful digital regulator under the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024. The bill, currently in its final stage before presidential assent, is expected to create a unified legal framework for Nigeria’s digital economy and governance transformation.
At a public hearing held on Monday, November 10, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, announced that the bill would likely be signed by the President before the end of the week.
“I look forward to celebrating this Bill at the end of the week once it is signed by Mr. President,” Tijani said. “It is a testament to the leadership, collaboration, and shared commitment of everyone involved in shaping the digital future of our nation.”
NITDA to Lead Nigeria’s Digital Transformation
If enacted, the bill will elevate NITDA into a “super regulator” with broad supervisory, enforcement, and coordination powers across government and private-sector digital operations. The legislation consolidates all digital economy oversight under NITDA, giving it authority to issue binding regulations, frameworks, and standards covering areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, digital payments, and data governance.
Section 62 of the bill explicitly states that in matters relating to the digital economy or e-governance, this Act “shall prevail” over any conflicting laws, effectively positioning NITDA above other sector regulators in digital matters.
Under Section 63, NITDA is also empowered to impose administrative sanctions and fines on both public and private entities, with penalties reaching up to ₦30 million ($20,848) for corporate bodies and ₦1 million ($695) for individuals.
Mandates for Government Ministries and Agencies
The proposed law requires every ministry, department, and agency (MDA) to establish an ICT unit under NITDA’s supervision. These units will manage digital transformation initiatives, data systems, and compliance with national ICT standards. Public institutions must also publish annual digital transformation reports to promote transparency and accountability.
Through these provisions, the bill aims to modernise government operations, promote interoperability, and ensure seamless data exchange between agencies.
Key Powers and Responsibilities of NITDA
Under the new law, NITDA’s expanded functions include:
- Setting technical standards for ICT projects, open data, and government communications.
- Regulating emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and digital identity systems.
- Creating regulatory sandboxes to support innovation and emerging tech startups.
- Promoting digital literacy and skill development through national training frameworks.
- Overseeing consumer protection, privacy, and e-transaction security.
These powers position NITDA as both a regulator and a catalyst for innovation, ensuring that Nigeria’s digital transformation is both inclusive and secure.
Concerns Over Regulatory Overlap
While the bill has been praised as a milestone for Nigeria’s digital economy, some stakeholders have raised concerns about potential regulatory overlaps between NITDA and other agencies, such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
However, lawmakers, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu and Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, who co-sponsored the bill, insist that the new law will enhance coordination rather than conflict. They describe it as a “cornerstone for Nigeria’s digital transformation,” ensuring innovation, cybersecurity, and efficiency are governed within a clear and enforceable legal structure.
Towards a Smarter, More Connected Government
Ultimately, the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill seeks to establish a future-ready governance system powered by automation, data analytics, and digital interoperability. It represents Nigeria’s most ambitious attempt yet to streamline digital regulation, improve citizen services, and unlock economic growth through technology.
Once signed, the bill will position NITDA as the central force behind Nigeria’s digital economy, shaping the policies that define the country’s transition into a truly digital nation.
