The Federal Government has announced plans to develop a harmonized national policy and governance framework for Nigeria’s digital economy, while directing regulators to maintain the status quo on rules affecting internet platforms and online intermediaries.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday following a high-level meeting with the leadership of three agencies under the ministry—the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
According to Tijani, Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem has created overlaps in the responsibilities of sector regulators, necessitating greater policy coordination.
He said that while each agency has clearly defined statutory functions, the convergence of telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance requires a unified government approach.
“Regulatory coordination is essential not only for legal certainty but also for promoting investment, innovation, consumer confidence and Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness as Africa’s leading digital economy,” the minister said.
To facilitate the harmonization process, Tijani directed all relevant agencies to suspend the implementation or enforcement of any recently introduced regulation, code, guideline, framework, directive or administrative requirement relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues currently under review by the ministry.
He clarified that the directive does not affect the statutory powers of the agencies, noting that all existing regulations and guidelines that fall squarely within their legal mandates remain valid and enforceable, provided they align with the ministry’s policy direction.
The minister also announced the establishment of a Joint Technical Coordination Committee, comprising representatives of the NCC, NITDA and NDPC under the supervision of his office.
He said the committee will coordinate technical engagements, consult widely with industry players, civil society, academia and other stakeholders, and develop recommendations for a unified national policy and governance framework.
Tijani stressed that the harmonization exercise is not intended to weaken the statutory mandates of any agency but to ensure government speaks with one coherent voice on cross-cutting digital economy issues.
According to him, the proposed framework will clearly define institutional responsibilities, eliminate regulatory overlaps, reduce compliance uncertainty, strengthen investor confidence and create an enabling environment for innovation.
He added that the initiative aims to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading digital economy and an attractive global destination for digital investment.
