Kwara Govt, Stakeholders Commend FG on Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill
The Kwara State Government has expressed strong support for the Federal Government’s National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, highlighting its potential to enhance governance, streamline public administration, and foster stronger government-citizen engagement.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement session in Ilorin on Wednesday, Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bola Olukoju, emphasized the transformative impact the bill would have on governance and the tech ecosystem in the state.
“Kwara State is proud to back technologically driven initiatives like the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill,” Olukoju said. “This bill will improve government activities, administration, and citizen engagement while complementing our ongoing efforts, such as the Ilorin Innovation Hub, which is set to revolutionize the state’s tech ecosystem by the end of the year.”
Olukoju also highlighted the bill’s potential to empower the youth, who represent a significant segment of the state’s population, by creating opportunities for startups and digital entrepreneurs.
Stakeholders Highlight Benefits
Special Assistant to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Banke Ajaguna, explained that the stakeholders’ engagement session aimed to gather input from senior government officials, state assembly members, tech leaders, and civil society groups to refine the draft bill.
“This engagement ensures the policy reflects the needs of the people it will serve,” Ajaguna said. “We want a thriving economy and inclusive digital governance that aligns with the aspirations of stakeholders in the digital ecosystem.”
Legal consultant AbdulRasheed Badmus provided an overview of the bill, noting its focus on positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital economy. Key goals include fostering economic transformation, modernizing public services, ensuring digital access for all, and creating a secure environment for data and privacy protection.
Badmus called on stakeholders to collaborate towards achieving the bill’s objectives, emphasizing its role in driving transparency and inclusivity in governance.
Voices from the Tech Community
Mustapha AbdulRazaq, Product Engineer and Creative Lead at ProPlay Digital, underscored the importance of the proposed legislation in ensuring data privacy and enhancing digital transactions.
“This bill will bring digital inclusivity to Nigerians, enabling secure online transactions and fostering a digital-first economy,” AbdulRazaq said. “Countries leading the global economy have implemented similar frameworks, and Nigeria should follow suit to remain competitive.”
The event also featured contributions from notable figures, including Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Temi Kolawole, and his board members, who pledged their support for the bill’s swift passage.
The National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, once enacted, is expected to modernize Nigeria’s approach to governance and innovation, positioning the nation as a digital leader in Africa.