By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, has disclosed that the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill will be signed into law by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before the end of 2025.

Speaking at the 6th Ogun Digital Summit held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Salisu said the bill promises a major transformation of Nigeria’s digital landscape and will open substantial employment opportunities for young people across the country.

The summit, themed “Building a Digital Economy for Sustainable Growth,” was declared open by Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and brought together innovators, founders and technology experts.

Salisu, who represents Ogun Central Senatorial District, disclosed that the bill—having undergone retreats, public hearings and other legislative stages—will be presented for final reading in the Senate next week.

According to him, the law will mandate ministries, departments and agencies, including those in Health, Agriculture, Education and Humanitarian Affairs, to digitize their operations.

“This is not just another piece of legislation, but a blueprint for our collective digital future. It is designed to create opportunities for our youth, secure our cyberspace and make governance more efficient and transparent. Imagine the number of jobs that will emerge as government processes move online.”

The Senator noted that the bill seeks to reduce corruption, improve data sharing among government agencies and prepare Nigeria for the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence.

He added that it will recognize electronic documents and digital signatures as legally valid, modernizing Nigeria’s legal framework for the digital era.

Encouraging participants to embrace opportunities in the digital economy, Salisu highlighted Nigeria’s growing prominence in Africa’s tech space, noting that the country hosts seven of the continent’s ten unicorns.

“If you think Nigeria’s glass is half full, then this summit gives you the chance to tap into the full benefits of the digital economy,” he said.

Declaring the summit open, Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to developing a smart, technology-driven and investor-friendly economy. She emphasized that the summit has become the state’s largest platform for shaping conversations on the future of work and technology.

She called for deeper collaboration among innovation hubs, private labs, universities, training centres and government agencies, warning that a fragmented ecosystem limits impact. She added that the government will continue to prioritize talent development, support local innovation and promote inclusiveness to ensure technology remains accessible to all.

Summit convener, Mr. Victor Adeleye, stressed the need to build a strong tech ecosystem in Ogun State to prevent local startups from relocating to Lagos.

He disclosed that the initiative has supported more than 7,500 talents since its inception in 2020, with many creating viable, revenue-generating solutions.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Adijat Adeleye; House of Representatives member for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Hon. Afolabi Moruf Afape; entrepreneur Dr. Bola Akindele; and Police PRO Omolola Odutola.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of a laptop to Mr. Imisioluwa Adeniyi, winner of a current affairs quiz, symbolizing the summit’s commitment to empowering young digital talents.