The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has urged the National Assembly to ensure clarity, collaboration, and regulatory harmony in the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025, to prevent jurisdictional overlap and promote investor confidence.
In a presentation made by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON, at the Joint National Assembly Committee Hearing on the Bill, the association commended the sponsors for their efforts to modernize Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and establish a legal framework for emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
ALTON, which represents all licensed telecom network and infrastructure operators in Nigeria, acknowledged the Bill’s transformative potential but raised critical issues regarding regulatory overlap, institutional independence, and inter-agency collaboration.
“While we support the objectives of the Bill, it is essential to ensure that it complements, rather than overrides, existing sectoral laws,” Adebayo said. “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should retain its statutory regulatory oversight on telecommunications networks and infrastructure, while the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) should lead on digital policy and e-governance.”
The association cautioned against overlapping mandates between NITDA and NCC, emphasizing that a clear delineation of roles would prevent duplication and enhance regulatory efficiency.
On Artificial Intelligence regulation, ALTON recommended aligning Nigeria’s approach with international best practices by separating policy guidance and technical regulation, a structure already adopted in the UK, India, and the European Union. According to Adebayo, this would “ensure accountability while encouraging innovation.”
ALTON also called for a review of Section 82, which grants ministerial directive powers, to safeguard the independence of regulatory bodies and foster investor confidence in the digital economy.
Additionally, the association proposed the creation of a National Digital Cooperation and Interoperability Framework to formalize collaboration among key agencies such as NITDA, NCC, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“To achieve coherence across Nigeria’s digital landscape, we must embed structured collaboration within the Bill,” Adebayo noted. “This will help avoid policy fragmentation and enhance coordination across government institutions.”
In conclusion, ALTON reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation journey but maintained that the success of the Digital Economy Bill depends on establishing clear jurisdictional boundaries, institutional independence, and structured collaboration among regulators.
“Our goal is a sustainable digital economy driven by innovation, accountability, and investor trust,” Adebayo stated.
