The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and various key stakeholders, recently gathered to evaluate the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Life Events alongside the preliminary Technical Standards for the Nigerian Data Exchange (NGDX).
This significant two-day public consultation, themed “Advancing Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure through Standards, Data Exchange, and e-Government Transformation,” concluded in Abuja on Thursday.
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions aimed at refining the drafts to unify diverse perspectives, ultimately fostering the development of secure, interoperable, and inclusive digital frameworks that enhance governance and public service delivery.
Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, emphasized the importance of proactive involvement from the NGF to ensure the DPI is developed through an inclusive, collaborative process.
Represented by Dr. Wariowei Dimie, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Inuwa highlighted that co-creation is essential for the effective rollout of the DPI.
He remarked, “These two draft documents complement each other in driving Nigeria’s vision to become a digitally empowered nation. The federal government cannot achieve this alone; subnational entities must play a pivotal role, ensuring a comprehensive government-wide approach to addressing our pressing challenges.”
“I encourage everyone to engage actively so that we can jointly develop and take ownership of this framework for clearer articulation and implementation,” Inuwa added.
Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, Director-General of the NGF, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the goal of establishing an interoperable and inclusive governance ecosystem, which requires strong collaboration between federal and state governments.
Speaking through Mr. Shina Ayotola, Chief Programme Officer of NGF, Shittu noted the forum’s deliberate efforts to accelerate digital transformation, particularly through the DPI Readiness Report-a comprehensive evaluation of digital infrastructure, policies, and capabilities across Nigeria’s states.
“The insights from the DPI Readiness Report are already influencing policy discussions, guiding institutional reforms, and enabling states to measure their progress, exchange best practices, and align with national digital transformation strategies,” he explained.
Mr. Adeladan Olarinre, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, highlighted the critical role DPI plays as the backbone of modern governance, facilitating improved service delivery.
Represented by Mr. Johnson Bareyei, Director of e-Government, Olarinre described DPI as the essential digital foundation that supports seamless identity verification, secure financial transactions, and reliable data sharing.
“For Nigeria, DPI is more than a technological goal; it is the cornerstone for inclusive economic development,” he stated.
“By lowering administrative costs, enhancing public services, and building trust between citizens and government, DPI is instrumental in realizing the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring equitable participation in the digital economy for all Nigerians,” Olarinre added.
Delegates from states including Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara expressed strong support and enthusiasm for the initiative, signaling widespread commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital future.
