By Wisdom Nwedene, Abakaliki
Some stakeholders in Ebonyi State on Friday advocated the speedy passage of the National digital economy and e-governance bill to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.
The stakeholders who gathered at Remeritona Hotel in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State said the passage of the Bill would smoothen government activities, boost digital security and also boost government-citizen engagement.
Some dignitaries that attended the event include, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Union, Ebonyi State Chapter, Comrade Egwu Oguguo, Permanent secretaries from different sectors that represented Ebonyi State government, representives from First Bank Nigeria Limited, many private sectors, etc.
Speaking during the event, the Minister for Communications, innovation and Digital Economy, Olatunbosun Tijani, represented by Geofrey Nwadima stated that the importance of the bill cannot be underestimated as it will enhance the digital economy and build trust between the government and the people.
Mr Nwadima called on Nigerians and the National Assembly to give the bill the needed support.
He submitted that the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024, is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
This bill, according to him, aims to drive economic growth through digital technology, improve public service delivery, and create a competitive environment for the Nigerian digital economy.
He noted that in a bid to migrate Nigeria into a smart country, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy proposed the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.
Mr further Nwadima highlighted the advantages of the E-governance bill to include Economic Transformation and Establishment of a regulatory foundation to encourage digital commerce, cross-border trade, and innovation, positioning Nigeria as a major player in Africa’s digital landscape.
According to him, “It will facilitate the digital transformation of government services to make them more transparent, accessible, and responsive to citizens.”
He also said the bill will ensure Digital Access for All, saying, “it will promote infrastructure and digital literacy programs to make digital services accessible across Nigeria, including underserved regions.”
Also speaking during the event, Comrade Oguguo agitated that there should be more stakeholders’ engagement in order to get more engagements from critical stakeholders.
