- Engages Gombe stakeholders for input
From Abdurrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has stated that the Digital National Economy and E-Governance Act is being introduced to provide Nigerians with easier access to government services.
This was revealed by a team from the ministry during a one-day sensitisation workshop aimed at advocating for the enactment of the draft bill. Addressing newsmen at the stakeholder engagement yesterday in Gombe, Mr. Bamkole Oke explained that the initiative is a step towards improving efficiency and transparency in government operations.
According to him, the draft bill is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that Nigerians embrace the digital world in conducting their businesses and ventures.
Oke, who facilitated the workshop, further explained that the government aims to harness the power of technology to streamline governance processes and enhance citizen engagement. He added that the new law would pave the way for a more interconnected and digitally-driven Nigeria.
“This one-day workshop was organised for stakeholders in Gombe State to digest the bill and offer inputs on how best this bill will be utilised in the country,” Oke stated.
The Gombe State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Prof. Abdullahi Bappah, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Malam Muhammad Muhammad, assured participants that the state is committed to supporting initiatives that would bring positive change.
Speaking on behalf of the Gombe State House of Assembly Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation, Malam Adamu Tilde appreciated the federal government for the initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction.
He added that the bill would complement an executive bill already being sponsored by the Gombe State government in the State House of Assembly.
“It will go a long way in strengthening our governance system in this digital age,” Tilde said.
However, some participants at the workshop emphasised the need for the federal government to assist Nigerians in accessing and adopting the use of the internet, noting its indispensable role in the digital age.
“It is said that the bill will guarantee and protect all Nigerians who choose to conduct their business digitally; therefore, we are calling on the government to have a concrete plan in place for the implementation of the bill when passed,” said Malam Ahmed, a participant and member of a Civil Society Organisation (CSO).
“Just as you know, we are very good at making laws and plans but, at the same time, also good at not implementing or following them to the letter,” he added, speaking to Daily Sun.