Youth-Led Advocacy for a Robust National Digital Economy and E-Government Bill, 2025
The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), a dynamic youth-driven civic organization, has called on the National Assembly to enhance the National Digital Economy and E-Government Bill, 2025. Their appeal focuses on fostering inclusivity, ethical governance of artificial intelligence (AI), and improving institutional collaboration. This appeal was made during the public hearing held on Monday at the Senate New Building, Conference Room 022, within the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Presentation of Recommendations to the Senate Committee
BBYDI’s Executive Director, Barrister Nurah Jimoh-Sanni, alongside Programs Intern Barrister Maryam Abubakar, jointly submitted a detailed memorandum to the Senate Committee on National Digital Economy & E-Governance. The organization praised the Senate and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for their efforts, describing the Bill as a pivotal step toward building a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital economy in Nigeria.
Strengthening Inclusivity and Sustainability in Nigeria’s Digital Transformation
Despite the Bill’s promising framework, BBYDI highlighted areas requiring reinforcement to ensure Nigeria’s digital evolution is both inclusive and sustainable. “A truly digital Nigeria must embrace all citizens-rural communities, women, and persons with disabilities must not be marginalized,” emphasized Nurah Jimoh-Sanni during her address.
While the Bill lays foundational structures for digital governance, BBYDI cautioned that overlapping responsibilities among agencies like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) could impede effective implementation.
Recommendations for Enhanced Coordination and Data Privacy
To resolve these challenges, BBYDI proposed the establishment of a National Digital Economy Council chaired by the Vice President. This council would serve as a central body to harmonize policies and foster inter-agency collaboration. Additionally, the organization urged alignment of the Bill with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 to ensure consistent data privacy standards nationwide.
Promoting Digital Inclusion Through Targeted Funding
Addressing digital inclusion, BBYDI recommended the creation of a National Digital Inclusion Fund. This fund would aim to expand broadband infrastructure, enhance digital literacy programs, and support marginalized groups-especially women, rural populations, and persons with disabilities. Such initiatives are critical as recent data shows that only 45% of Nigeria’s rural population currently has reliable internet access.
Ethical Governance and Accountability in Artificial Intelligence
On the subject of AI governance, BBYDI stressed the necessity for Nigeria to adopt stringent ethical standards and accountability measures. The organization advocated for the formation of a National AI Ethics Board to oversee AI applications. They also recommended mandatory AI impact assessments for high-risk technologies, including biometric surveillance, alongside annual transparency reports to monitor compliance.
Nurah Jimoh-Sanni further highlighted the vital role of youth in shaping digital governance, stating, “Young Nigerians are not merely consumers of technology; they are innovators and key contributors to the nation’s digital future.” To reflect this, the Bill should facilitate access for women-led and youth-led startups to regulatory sandboxes and innovation testbeds.
Enhancing Transparency, Feedback, and Institutional Readiness
BBYDI also called for stronger provisions on open data policies, citizen feedback mechanisms, and the implementation of dashboards to monitor digital service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). They suggested a tiered penalty system for violations, noting that the current fines might be disproportionately burdensome for small businesses and public institutions.
Furthermore, the organization recommended establishing dedicated ICT units within all MDAs and instituting mandatory digital maturity audits to evaluate institutional preparedness for digital transformation.
Conclusion: A Call for Transparent and Inclusive Implementation
While BBYDI supports the passage of the Bill, they urge lawmakers to ensure its execution is transparent, inclusive, and ethically grounded. Their memorandum concluded that “with appropriate safeguards, effective coordination, and a commitment to ethical technology use, this Bill has the potential to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transition, build public trust, and promote responsible adoption of emerging technologies.”
