This proposed legislation provides a cohesive legal structure for all facets of the digital economy, from validating e-contracts and e-signatures to enabling e-government operations. It affirms the legal status of electronic communications and signatures (including digital ones), sets reliability standards (time stamps, transferable records), and clarifies when and how such documents are recognised as “originals” for legal proceedings. The Bill also incorporates consumer protection provisions requiring vendors to be transparent in pricing and privacy policies, establishing the right to cancel orders before final processing, and safeguarding personal data.

Moreover, it defines rules for the formation of contracts using automated systems, error handling in electronic interactions, and alignment with foreign certificates and signatures. The Bill seeks to modernise government service delivery by championing digital record retention, e-publication of official documents, open data practices, and fully integrated ICT projects across public institutions. Beyond these, it outlines the roles of relevant government bodies, prescribes offences and penalties for noncompliance, and grants the new law preeminence over conflicting statutes.

Ultimately, this Bill aims to foster trust, efficiency, and accessibility in commercial and governmental transactions, solidifying Nigeria’s transition to a digitally empowered society.