Nigeria’s Digitized Public Services Could Unlock $110bn Annual Economic Gain — Telecom Stakeholders
Nigeria’s telecommunications stakeholders have projected that fully digitized public services could generate more than $110 billion annually, citing reduced inefficiencies, improved transparency, and stronger tax collection. The projection was made during the 7th Nigeria e-Government Summit in Lagos, which brought together government leaders, telecom operators, and digital service providers.
At the summit, experts highlighted the economic potential of digital transformation, noting past successes such as the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which has saved Nigeria over ₦10 trillion, and anti-corruption tracking systems that have recovered billions in public funds. According to Vincent Olatunji, CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), robust e-government systems can drastically cut revenue leakages if data protection and privacy safeguards are strengthened.
Despite the opportunities, Nigeria faces significant hurdles, including low rankings on the UN e-Government Development Index, poor broadband access in rural areas, and rising cybersecurity threats. Speakers stressed that overcoming these barriers will require strong public-private partnerships, universal broadband penetration, and citizen trust in data security. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced ongoing efforts to expand fiber infrastructure, supported by states waiving right-of-way charges, and the Universal Service Provision Fund’s rural connectivity programs.
Industry leaders also underlined the importance of digital identity in e-governance. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), described the National Identification Number (NIN) as the “central nervous system” of e-government, enabling seamless access to social services, financial systems, and welfare programs. Similarly, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) urged wider adoption of the .ng domain to strengthen Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and build trust in online governance.
Summit organizers concluded that digitizing public services is not just an economic opportunity but also a social imperative. With a population of over 230 million, mostly under 30, the demand for efficient digital services — from tax filing to business registration — is rising rapidly. Stakeholders agreed that scaling Nigeria’s digital ecosystem will require collaboration, innovation, and secure infrastructure to bridge the digital divide and unlock the country’s full economic potential.
Source: Business Day