The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s public sector through the adoption of a “Digital First Governance” approach, positioning technology as the foundation of governance and service delivery.
Kalu spoke on Monday in Abuja while delivering his welcome address at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026, describing the gathering as a critical platform for shaping the future of governance at a defining moment in Nigeria’s development.
He noted that although Nigeria has demonstrated strong ambition in digital transformation through initiatives such as digital identity programmes, electronic payment systems, e-service platforms and investments in data infrastructure, the country must now move beyond isolated efforts to a more integrated and coordinated framework.
According to him, “Digital First Governance” is not merely a theme for discussion but a strategic posture that demands embedding technology into the very architecture of how government operates and engages citizens.
Kalu explained that this approach requires designing policies, services, and institutional systems with digital delivery, accessibility, and sustainability at their core, particularly for citizens with limited connectivity, low literacy, or disabilities.
He acknowledged that Nigeria has produced numerous policy frameworks and recorded several milestones in digital transformation over the past decade but stressed that technology must no longer be treated as an afterthought or a pilot initiative.
The Deputy Speaker also highlighted the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, describing it as a historic opportunity to provide a strong legislative foundation for Nigeria’s digital future.
He said the bill, if enacted, would enforce digital compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs); ensure interoperability among systems; clarify institutional roles; and introduce enforcement mechanisms that outlast political tenures.
Kalu emphasised that the roundtable was co-convened to ensure that insights from key stakeholders, including the public sector, private sector, development partners and civil society, are incorporated into the legislative process, warning against the risks of developing laws in isolation.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would produce a clear reform roadmap, strengthen consensus on the E-Governance Bill, and generate actionable recommendations, while also calling for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
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