We’re pleased to share our latest roundup of digital-economy activities at the National Assembly. As part of our ongoing legislative monitoring, we’ve tracked key bills introduced in the Senate and the House of Representatives between January and February that could significantly impact Nigeria’s digital economy. Below is a concise overview of these developments, including their progress and direct links to some of the proposed bills.

Senate Updates

1. National Artificial Intelligence Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2025
   Progress: First Reading
   Summary: Calls for the creation of a National AI Commission to regulate and oversee the development, deployment, and ethical use of artificial intelligence in Nigeria, ensuring alignment with national security and economic interests.

2. Nigerian Digital Sovereignty and Fair Data Competition Bill, 2025
   Progress: First Reading
   Summary: Aims to bolster Nigeria’s control over its digital economy by enforcing data sovereignty, ensuring fair competition, and regulating the use of personal and commercial data to prevent monopolistic practices.

House of Representatives Updates

1. Artificial Intelligence Management and Finance Institute (AIMFIN) Bill, 2025 [HB. 2063]
   Progress: First Reading
   Summary: Proposes the establishment of AIMFIN as a professional institute to foster innovation, research, and certification in artificial intelligence, finance, and business management. It would also regulate AI-related practices and offer professional accreditation.

2. Central Gaming Bill, 2025 [HB. 2062]
   Progress: Second Reading
   Summary: Repeals the National Lottery Act of 2005 to create a new regulatory framework for online and remote gaming in Nigeria. Establishes the Central Gaming Commission to oversee licensing, taxation, and compliance, with the goal of increasing government revenue and regulating the gaming industry.

3. National Broadcasting Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025 [HB. 2039]
   Progress: First Reading
   Summary: Seeks to amend the National Broadcasting Commission Act to strengthen regulatory oversight, prevent monopolies, and promote fair competition in the broadcast industry. It introduces new codes of practice for content rights, licensing, and competition laws.

4. Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 [HB. 2040]
   Progress: First Reading
   Summary: Reserves certain business sectors (e.g., petty trading, taxi services, and small-scale artisanal work) exclusively for Nigerians. Sets minimum capital requirements for foreign investors to protect local businesses and boost employment.

5. National e-Gaming (Establishment) Bill, 2025
   Progress: First Reading
   Summary: Aims to regulate the online gaming industry through a national framework for licensing, monitoring, and revenue generation from e-gaming activities to enhance government income and consumer protection.

6. Mandatory Installation of Surveillance Cameras in Public Places Bill, 2025
   Progress: First Reading
   Summary: Mandates the installation of surveillance cameras in strategic public places to improve security, deter criminal activity, and assist law enforcement in crime detection and prosecution.

7. Tax Reforms Bill
   Progress: Public Hearing
   Summary: The Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 proposes to repeal and consolidate multiple tax laws into a single framework governing taxation in Nigeria. It features new provisions on income tax, petroleum tax, value-added tax (VAT), and excise duties, among others. Notably, the bill:
   • Repeals the Venture Capital (Incentives) Act, Cap. V2, LFN 2004.
   • Removes the payment of the 1% levy into the NITDA Fund (and its collection by the FIRS).
   • Amends the Nigeria Startup Act by deleting its fiscal incentives section.

We will continue to monitor and report on the progress of these bills and any emerging legislation that could shape the digital landscape. If you have questions or would like more information on specific bills, please feel free to reach out. To receive timely updates on legislative bills, expert insights, and in-depth analyses of Africa’s digital economy and policy landscape, please subscribe by filling out this form here.