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Nigeria Eyes 21% GDP Boost from Digital Economy by 2030 — Minister Tijani

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, says the country’s digital economy is on track to contribute 21% of national GDP by 2030, up from its current 16–18%.

Tijani, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Rafiu Adeladan, made this projection at the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill Nationwide Engagement in Abuja on Thursday.

He revealed that in Q1 2025 alone, the digital economy added ₦7 trillion to Nigeria’s GDP, representing 14.19% of the ₦49.34 trillion total.

“The Bill will unlock the sector further, create jobs, engage our youth, and drive growth beyond oil,” Tijani said, stressing that digital transformation is already the engine of Nigeria’s economy.

Without the Bill, he explained, the sector is already a ₦7 trillion powerhouse. With it passed into law, he added, the impact would be “nothing short of miraculous,” bringing massive employment, wider business growth, and reduced reliance on oil revenues.

The proposed law seeks to build a strong legal and regulatory foundation for Nigeria’s digital future, covering electronic transactions, authentication, digital records, artificial intelligence, trusted data systems, and digital literacy. According to Tijani, this will put Nigeria on par with global best practices and strengthen confidence in e-commerce and e-governance platforms.

Supporting the Minister, NITDA DG Kashifu Abdullahi said the Bill is the result of nationwide consultations across all 36 states, with input from academia, innovators, industry players, and venture capitalists. He noted that digitising government services will deepen financial inclusion, as citizens increasingly consume paid online services.

Galaxy Backbone’s MD, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, underscored the role of infrastructure, declaring: “Data today is more important than oil. If we utilise this Bill properly, it should grow GDP, reduce the ‘japa’ syndrome, and create jobs.”

Similarly, NIPOST’s Postmaster General, Tola Odeyemi, promised support through postcode infrastructure and trusted logistics, while Nigeria Data Protection Commission’s DG, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, described the move as “historic,” saying: “Policies are intent, but law is compelling.”

With the Bill already through its first reading in the National Assembly, stakeholders expressed optimism that its passage and eventual presidential assent will give Nigeria a modern, future-ready legal framework to anchor its digital transformation.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna