The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for all Information Technology associations and professionals in Nigeria, has endorsed the proposed National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill No 11219 of 2025 following an open hearing before the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Information and Communication Technology and Cybersecurity.
The NCS hailed the Bill as a landmark opportunity to institutionalize digital governance, accelerate the nation’s digital economy, and harness emerging technologies, even as the government projections indicate that the passage of this legislation could increase the digital economy’s contribution to national GDP from the current 16–18% up to an estimated 21–22% by 2030.
While fully endorsing the Bill’s core objectives, including providing legal recognition for digital transactions, accelerating e-governance, and promoting digital inclusion, the NCS submission centered on the critical need to embed professional standards and accountability directly into the legislation.
The Society identified a significant gap in the Bill’s current draft: a lack of explicit provisions mandating the use of certified professionals in public sector IT projects.
Thus, it has recommended the inclusion of stronger language to ensure high standards and ethical oversight by mandating that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) engage CPN-registered professionals and NCS-accredited professionals in the design, implementation, audit, and maintenance of all critical digital systems.
“A strong digital economy depends on clear standards, sustained funding, and ethical innovation. Without a clear linkage to professional membership and certification frameworks, the Bill risks becoming a policy dream rather than a national transformation tool. We must ensure that the workforce overseeing these critical national systems is competent, ethical, and fully certified,” said Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, President of the Nigeria Computer Society.
In addition to professional certification, the NCS proposed several other amendments to ensure optimal impact and sustainability. Specifically, in the area of Data Protection, the Society recommended mandating oversight by independent data protection authorities and clarifying the essential role of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for government systems.
To address Interoperability, the NCS urged the Bill to mandate the use of national-level interoperability standards, common data models, and shared services to prevent fragmented digital infrastructure. Finally, regarding Emerging Technologies, the submission calls for including a formal Emerging Technologies Oversight Framework that would specify roles for professional bodies like the NCS in the ethical review and certification of AI practitioners and advanced technology procurement within MDAs.
The NCS concluded its submission by reaffirming its commitment to partnering with the National Assembly and all government stakeholders to ensure the Bill becomes a cornerstone for Nigeria’s digital future.
Read Also: 📢 INVITATION TO THE 16th NCS Lagos IT Summit, AGM & Awards 🎉
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