ACCI Hosts Stakeholders’ Workshop to Refine National E-Commerce Policy

ACCI Hosts Stakeholders’ Workshop to Refine National E-Commerce Policy

By Anita Moore-Onuh,

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), through its National Chambers Policy Center and the ICT/Digital Economy Trade Group, on Tuesday hosted a virtual Stakeholders Consultative Workshop to review and refine the draft of the National E-Commerce Policy and Strategy (NEPS).

The workshop brought together over 30 key players from across Nigeria’s digital trade ecosystem in a bid to deepen stakeholder input and ensure a more inclusive and impactful national e-commerce framework.

In his opening remarks, ACCI Director General, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, emphasized the importance of aligning national policy with the evolving realities of Nigeria’s digital economy. He highlighted the need for a strategy that promotes innovation, inclusivity, and global competitiveness.

Leading the policy presentation, Mr. Segun Olugbile, Chairman of the ICT/Digital Economy Trade Group, outlined the NEPS’s vision to position Nigeria among the top 15 global e-commerce markets by 2029. He detailed the policy’s major pillars, which include harmonizing digital trade laws, enhancing logistics and digital infrastructure, strengthening digital payment systems, and building consumer trust through robust data protection mechanisms.

Representing the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Engr. Salisu Kaka praised the initiative and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to inclusive policy-making. He also provided updates on NITDA’s ongoing projects, including a proposed 90,000km national fibre optic network and the development of a Digital Public Infrastructure framework to boost digital inclusivity and system interoperability.

The interactive session saw participants pose critical questions, which were addressed by Mr. Olugbile and NITDA officials, reinforcing the need for continuous dialogue in shaping the policy.

The event concluded with a collective call to action for stakeholders to submit additional recommendations for incorporation into the final draft of NEPS, which is set to undergo further validation in the coming weeks.

ACCI reiterated its dedication to driving business-friendly policies that foster a thriving digital economy in Nigeria.