Adopting electronic health records is essential to digitising and adopting technologies in the health sector. Electronic health records (EHRs) are any digital document or system that contains information on an individual’s health and care. This could be online, on an internal network, or a device.

This document is a white paper on the framework for an Online Harms Protection Bill in Nigeria, developed by the Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API) in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). It outlines the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework to address various online harms, including cyberbullying, hate speech, misinformation, and child exploitation.

The apex bank’s directives imposed a complete ban on financial institutions and other regulated entities from engaging in cryptocurrency transactions, closing all legal avenues for crypto trading and carrying significant short and long-term implications for the nation.

The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, in alignment with the Digital Economic Policy & Strategy, partnered with NITDA to create the National Blockchain Adoption Strategy, focusing on leveraging blockchain for an efficient digital Nigeria.

Amid Nigeria’s diversification and the COVID-19 impact, the Federal Government is emphasizing revenue generation and economic growth. The National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Policy (2020-2026) aims to set standards for digital innovation and entrepreneurship across six key areas in Nigeria.

The National Outsourcing Strategy aims to create an environment for Nigeria’s IT outsourcing industry growth, aligning with the National Digital Economy Strategy to drive investment, knowledge transfer, and job creation.

The 2021 National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, evolving from its 2015 predecessor, aims to address Nigeria’s cybersecurity challenges, bolster digital competitiveness, advance local technology, and safeguard Critical National Information Infrastructure while fostering international alliances and defending against cyber threats, online fraud, fake news, and hate speech in Nigeria’s cyberspace.

The National Electronic Health Record Bill aims to establish a structured framework for digitally automated health records, enabling the collection of electronic health data to enhance accessibility, quality, and continuity of care among diverse healthcare providers in Nigeria

This policy aims to create a more investor-friendly business environment in Nigeria through the establishment of the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Law 2019, known as the “Omnibus Bill,” aligned with Executive Order 1 (EO1) to enhance efficiency and transparency, fostering economic viability by eradicating regulatory bottlenecks.

As Nigeria gears up for a change in government, the manifestos of front-runners spotlight critical digital economy policies, crucial for economic growth, global competitiveness, and regional relevance.