Kogi Stakeholders Discuss Digital Economy, E-Governance Bill To Foster Transparency
Stakeholders in Kogi State have rallied support for the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, emphasizing its potential to enhance accountability and transparency in governance.
This was the consensus during a stakeholder engagement session held in Lokoja on Wednesday, organized as part of the Federal Government’s initiative to transition Nigeria towards a digital and paperless economy.
The proposed bill, championed by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, is undergoing consultations nationwide to incorporate diverse perspectives.
Kogi State’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communication, Ebenezer Adurodija, highlighted the urgency of embracing digital governance.
“Kogi has already started introducing digital methods in governance. This bill represents a significant step in the right direction for the nation,” Adurodija remarked during his opening address.
Legal consultant to the engagement, Chukwudi Chimezie, underscored the bill’s importance in promoting digital literacy and economic growth.
William Adah, a lecturer at Kogi State Polytechnic, and Eunice Agbogun, Executive Director of Challenged Parenthood Initiative, called on Nigerians and lawmakers to support the bill. They stressed that the legislation would facilitate better governance and economic opportunities.
The National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024, represents a pivotal move in Nigeria’s journey toward digital transformation. It seeks to:
Boost economic growth through technology.
Enhance public service delivery.
Promote export-oriented capacities in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Support international digital trade and investment.
The bill also provides a legal framework for digital activities, aiming to foster innovation, expand business opportunities, and improve access to digital services for individuals and organizations alike.
Stakeholders agree that the legislation holds the promise of a competitive, technology-driven future for Nigeria, urging its swift passage to unlock the nation’s digital potential.
