Nigeria is set to revolutionize its digital landscape with the introduction of the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024. This landmark legislation aims to foster the growth of the digital economy and enhance digital governance by establishing a framework for the certainty and efficiency of digital transactions and services.
The Bill outlines several key provisions to integrate digital processes within public institutions. These include enabling the electronic filing of documents, creation and retention of records, issuance of permits and licenses, and the acceptance of payments through electronic means. Public institutions are mandated to adopt electronic formats for their functions, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of government services.
To ensure the secure and reliable implementation of digital records and transactions, the Bill empowers regulatory agencies to specify the manner and format of electronic records, the types of electronic signatures required, and the security procedures to be followed. These measures aim to uphold the integrity, security, and confidentiality of digital records and payments.
The Bill also mandates that documents, records, or information required by law to be available for inspection must be accessible electronically. This provision supports transparency and ease of access to public information, aligning with global best practices in digital governance.
Further, the Bill requires the establishment of ICT Units within all public institutions to drive digital transformation and ensure effective service delivery. These units will be responsible for implementing digital government initiatives in compliance with guidelines issued by the regulatory agency. The regulatory agency is tasked with establishing governance structures and processes to oversee the proper use of ICT in federal public institutions.
A significant aspect of the Bill is the recognition that legal requirements for providing information in prescribed paper forms can be satisfied through electronic forms. This shift is expected to streamline administrative processes, reduce paperwork, and promote sustainability by minimizing the reliance on physical documents.
