FULL TEXT: ALTON’s Gbenga Adebayo’s remarks to the Joint National Assembly Committee Hearing on National Digital Economy 2025
At the Joint National Assembly Committee Hearing on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025, distinguished Chairmen and Honourable Members of the Joint Committees on ICT, Cybersecurity, and Digital Economy.
On behalf of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), I sincerely thank the Committees for this opportunity to contribute to the ongoing review of the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025.
ALTON represents all licensed network and infrastructure operators in Nigeria, who collectively provide the backbone of our nation’s digital connectivity and economic growth. We commend the sponsors of this Bill for their vision to modernise Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, promote e-governance, and provide a legal foundation for emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Our position follows a thorough review of the Bill and focuses on ensuring clarity, coherence, and regulatory harmony. While we acknowledge the transformative intent of the proposed law, we must highlight key areas of concern:
Regulatory Overlap:
The Bill vests broad powers in the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) that intersect with the statutory mandate of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). To avoid duplication, we recommend a clear delineation—NITDA to lead on digital policy, e-governance, and standard setting; NCC to retain regulatory oversight on telecommunications networks, infrastructure, and digital services.
Artificial Intelligence Regulation
The provisions on AI should reflect international best practice by distinguishing between policy guidance (to be led by NITDA) and technical regulation (to remain under NCC). This dual structure—used in the UK, India, and the EU—ensures accountability while encouraging innovation.
Trust Service Providers
Certification and liability frameworks must not impose additional compliance burdens on licensed telecom operators already regulated by the NCC. ALTON recommends that these provisions apply mainly to public-sector digital platforms, not private network operators.
Ministerial Directives and Regulatory Independence:
Section 82 should be reviewed to safeguard institutional independence and align with global standards that separate ministerial policy direction from operational regulation. This will promote investor confidence and regulatory certainty.
Inter-Agency Collaboration
To achieve coherence across Nigeria’s digital landscape, a formal National Digital Cooperation and Interoperability Framework should be embedded in the Bill, enabling NITDA, NCC, NDPC, and ONSA to collaborate effectively and avoid policy fragmentation.
ALTON’s Position
We fully support the objectives of the Bill and the vision for a robust digital economy. However, we respectfully submit that:
1. The Bill should complement, not override, existing sectoral laws.
2. The NCC should retain regulatory oversight of the telecommunications sector.
3. The Bill should promote structured collaboration between NITDA, NCC, and FCCPC.
4. Institutional roles must be clearly defined to avoid jurisdictional overlaps and enhance investor confidence.
In conclusion, ALTON reiterates its full support for the digital transformation of Nigeria but calls for clear jurisdictional boundaries, institutional independence, and structured collaboration to ensure the Bill’s objectives are achieved efficiently and sustainably.
On behalf of our members, I have the honour to formally submit ALTON’s Position Paper for your kind consideration and further legislative review.
We thank you for the privilege to contribute to this important national process. God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo: Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Abuja, Nigeria, 10th November 2025.
