Former President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari left a significant legacy in the technology sector, including bills and strategies aimed at its development.
Legislative Initiatives by Buhari
During his presidency, Muhammadu Buhari took several steps to improve Nigeria's technology sector, including signing the Startup Bill into law. In his tweet, he noted: "Today I signed into Law the Nigeria Startup Bill (NSB), developed by our administration to provide stable legal framework and incentives for technology innovation." The bill provides tax breaks for startups and offers entrepreneurs a pathway to interact with government officials.
Infrastructure and Strategy
The signing of the Startup Bill was part of a broader development process that includes the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and the Data Protection Bureau. These initiatives are aimed at creating a platform for modernizing Nigeria's economy. However, some critics argue that the legislation stifles young entrepreneurs, particularly those who are non-residents. The ambiguous regulatory environment also raises concerns among stakeholders in the tech industry.
Expectations from New President Bola Tinubu
With the arrival of the new president, Bola Tinubu, there are expectations that he will improve conditions for the development of the technology sector in Nigeria. In his manifesto, Tinubu promised to create a supportive policy environment for businesses and invest in education to equip citizens for the digital economy. However, questions remain as to whether he can fulfill his promises.
In summary, Muhammadu Buhari's legacy in technology in Nigeria is twofold: on one hand, his efforts led to the creation of new legislative initiatives, while on the other, significant challenges emerged that the incoming government needs to address.
