By Kehinde Erin
To enhance the nation’s digital economy framework, Kogi State Government has teamed up with the Federal Ministry of Communication, Information and Digital Economy to organise a Stakeholders Engagement, aiming to enlighten the public on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.
This collaborative effort seeks to bolster the nation’s digital economy framework, driving growth, innovation, and digital transformation in the region.
Chukwudi Chimezie, the project’s Legal Consultant, emphasised that Nigeria is behind other countries that have established strong E-Governance frameworks that empower citizens and safeguard consumer data.
He noted that the introduction of the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill will significantly influence government operations, policies, and programs, making them more accessible to all.
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He also emphasised the bill’s purpose and policy objectives, which encompass: Economic Transformation, Modernised and Citizen-Centric Public Services, Universal Digital Access, Legal Certainty and Enhanced Security, a Framework for Innovation, Global Alignment, Consumer Protection, Data Privacy, and Electronic Transactions.
He stated that the bill will position Nigeria for economic growth, effective governance, secure digital landscape as well as promoting a secure and inclusive digital environment, streamlined and transparent digital governance, reducing bureaucracy, and enhancing citizen engagement by delivering government activities and programmes seamlessly to the public.
The Kogi State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Abdulrazaq Suliaman, announced that the assembly is expediting the passage of a bill aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of government activities. The bill, currently under review, is being digitalised to ensure a seamless and efficient process.
The Majority Leader revealed that the House is actively working on the bill, ensuring that all previously enacted laws are approved. He emphasised that the House has confirmed that all relevant agencies, parastatals, and ministries are aligned with the bill, with approximately 95% of the process complete. Furthermore, the House plans to leverage digital platforms to educate and engage the public about the bill.
He revealed that the Kogi State House of Assembly is taking significant steps to improve network infrastructure across the state, that they’re collaborating with private network providers to ensure that citizens have access to reliable, high-quality internet connectivity.
“This initiative aims to establish a digital presence in each of the state’s Local Government Areas. The plan includes setting up “digital houses” where residents can easily submit complaints, access essential services, and interact with government agencies,” he said.
The Honourable praised the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy for initiating the programme and expressed his well-wishes for its successful completion.
The Permanent Secretary of Kogi State’s Ministry of Information and Communication, Mr. Ebenezer Adurodija, highlighted the significance of the bill in regulating the National Digital Economy and E-Governance.
According to him, the bill will have profound impact on these areas, paving the way for a more digitalized and efficient governance system.
He reiterated that digitalisation is sweeping the globe, and Nigeria is no exception. “It’s clear that the country is embracing this new era. Digitalization is the new norm, and nobody wants to be left behind,” the statement emphasised. With Artificial Intelligence taking center stage worldwide, Nigeria is poised to join the digital revolution. Nigeria’s digital age is here, and all states must get on board,” the Perm. Sec asserted.
He also stated that Kogi State is embracing digitalisation to boost effective governance, policies, and programs. “The state is on board with the digitalisation bill, recognising Nigeria’s delayed entry into the digital age. As the world shifts towards a digital economy, oil is no longer the primary focus. In fact, digital platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube are raking in billions of dollars, demonstrating the vast potential of digitalisation,” he said.
Mr. Adurodija emphasised that Kogi State is poised to adopt the bill, which will yield numerous benefits, including streamlined recruitment processes, simplified admission procedures, efficient registration systems, and enhanced bursary awards, empowerment initiatives, and skill acquisition programmes. Ultimately, this will significantly alleviate financial burdens, stress, and risk for the citizens of Kogi State.
Mrs. Eunice Abimbola, Executive Director of Challenge Parenthood Initiative, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Kogi State, expressed her enthusiasm for the bill, describing it as a “welcome idea” that signifies growth, development, and the importance of embracing change and progress.
The bill represents a groundbreaking innovation, offering a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog conventional methods and adopt global best practices. By doing so, the country can save time, money, and stress while giving its economy a significant boost.
She revealed that the benefits of the bill are numerous, saying that it will enhance the nation’s competitiveness in the global digital economy, foster economic growth, and create new opportunities for citizens, adding that the bill will also promote ICT compliance, capacity building, and digital literacy, ultimately leading to improved productivity and efficiency.
She also said that the bill has the potential to transform various sectors, including tourism, agriculture, health, and education. “By embracing digital technologies, these sectors can become more competitive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of citizens,” she added.
Mrs. Agbogun further stated that the bill will enable Nigeria to join the ranks of innovative nations, exposing the country to new opportunities, investments, and collaborations. “This, in turn, will drive economic growth, improve the quality of life for citizens, and cement Nigeria’s position as a leader in the digital economy,” she stated.
She urged the government to adopt the bill and foster an environment that promotes awareness and sensitisation across all sectors. She said, “to achieve this, she recommended that the government organise town hall meetings, engaging stakeholders and the public to educate them on the benefits of the bill.
“These town hall meetings can be instrumental in encouraging participation, building trust, and demonstrating the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. By actively involving citizens in the decision-making process, the government can ensure that the bill’s implementation is inclusive, effective, and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.”
