Abuja, Nigeria — Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for a comprehensive digital overhaul of government services, urging Nigeria to adopt a “Digital First Governance” approach to drive sustainable public sector reform.
Speaking at the National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026, Kalu described the initiative as a critical step toward redefining how government institutions are designed, operated, and experienced by citizens. He stressed that technology must move from being an afterthought to becoming the foundation of governance systems.
According to him, while Nigeria has made notable strides in digital transformation through initiatives such as digital identity programmes, electronic payment systems, and e-service platforms, the country must now transition to a more integrated and citizen-focused framework.
Kalu explained that “Digital First Governance” entails embedding technology into the core of policymaking and service delivery, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, particularly for citizens facing connectivity barriers, low literacy levels, or disabilities.
He emphasized that the approach requires designing government systems with digital delivery as the default, rather than as an add-on, noting that past efforts often suffered from fragmentation and limited coordination.
The Deputy Speaker highlighted the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill as a pivotal legislative instrument to drive the reform agenda. He said the bill would enforce digital compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), promote interoperability of systems, and establish clear institutional roles backed by enforceable mechanisms that outlast political administrations.
Kalu warned against developing policies in isolation, stressing that stakeholder engagement remains crucial to achieving effective implementation. He noted that the roundtable, co-convened by his office, was designed to incorporate contributions from public sector leaders, private sector innovators, development partners, and civil society into the legislative process.
He expressed optimism that the forum would produce a clear reform roadmap, build consensus around the E-Governance Bill, and generate actionable recommendations for the National Assembly.
Kalu also called for sustained collaboration through a Multi-Stakeholder Framework, urging government officials to embrace reform with transparency and commitment, while encouraging private sector players to act as long-term partners in national development.
In his remarks, the Director of GovTech Africa, Fortune Toma, noted that governments across Africa are increasingly leveraging digital identity systems, interoperable platforms, and data-driven tools to improve service delivery and transparency.
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Toma added that the roundtable is intended to go beyond dialogue by fostering practical solutions, challenging entrenched systems, and accelerating the adoption of innovative technologies in governance.
The National GovTech Policy Roundtable 2026 is expected to play a key role in shaping Nigeria’s digital governance landscape as the country seeks to modernize public service delivery and strengthen institutional efficiency.
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