By Juliet Umeh
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) have called for greater regulatory clarity in the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025, citing overlaps in mandates between key regulatory institutions.
Speaking during a presentation before the Joint National Assembly Committee on the Bill in Abuja on Monday, Chairman of ALTON, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, commended lawmakers for their vision in promoting Nigeria’s digital transformation but urged them to address potential regulatory conflicts that could affect implementation.
“We commend the sponsors of this Bill for their vision to modernize Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, promote e-governance, and provide a legal foundation for emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI),” Adebayo said.
“However, to ensure clarity, coherence, and regulatory harmony, we must avoid duplication of roles between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).”
Adebayo noted that while NITDA should retain leadership on digital policy, e-governance, and standards setting, the NCC should continue to exercise regulatory oversight on telecommunications networks, infrastructure, and digital services.
He further advised that the Bill’s provisions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) must align with international best practices, distinguishing between policy guidance (to be led by NITDA) and technical regulation (to remain under NCC).
ALTON also cautioned against additional compliance burdens on telecom operators already regulated by the NCC, recommending that certification and liability provisions should primarily apply to public-sector digital platforms rather than private network operators.
Similarly, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), in its submission, expressed support for the Bill’s objectives but highlighted sections that intersect with or duplicate existing constitutional and statutory mandates.
“Some provisions of the Bill overlap with functions already assigned under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), the Public Service Rules (PSR 2021), the Civil Service Handbook, and the Public Procurement Act (2007),” the OHCSF observed.
The office recommended amendments to ensure alignment with established administrative frameworks and to preserve the OHCSF’s constitutional roles in public service governance.
Both ALTON and OHCSF reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the National Assembly’s efforts to create a robust legal foundation for digital governance in Nigeria but stressed that regulatory clarity and institutional harmony are essential for the Bill to achieve its intended impact.
