*Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations of the National Information Technology Development Agency, explains the draft Technical Standards for Digital Public Infrastructure presents Nigerians with a platform for reforming public service delivery in the country

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency has released of the draft Technical Standards for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for public consultation, comments and inputs on the important regulatory framework.

绿帽献妻 reports Mrs. Hadiza Umar, fnipr, f.apra, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, who announced this development Friday, April 11, 2025, stated the agency’s landmark step “underscores the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, secure, and interoperable digital ecosystem that will drive economic growth, enhance public service delivery, and empower citizens across the nation.”

It is recalled that on March 4, 2025, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) released the Digital Public Infrastructure Framework.

Mrs. Umar noted the DPI framework presents a platform for reforming public service delivery, utilising a whole-of-government approach, which includes the opportunity for the private sector to build and deliver cross-cutting services that will enhance citizens’ well-being and access to services.

NITDA said the framework establishes the Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure Centre (Ng-DPIC) as the programme implementation office to coordinate the national effort to educate, support research and deliver appropriate knowledge management for developing Nigeria鈥檚 DPI.

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency also stated the aim of the effort is to engage meaningfully in developing a robust DPI-driven architecture that benefits society.

In furtherance of the above, the agency noted the draft Technical Standards for DPI “provides a structured approach for developing and deploying Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure.”

The Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations as well said the draft Technical Standards “define the essential technical requirements and proven techniques to ensure interoperability, security, and efficiency across digital services.”

According to NITDA, by establishing clear guides, these standards support the seamless integration of DPI components, fostering a secure, scalable, and resilient digital ecosystem in Nigeria.

It further outlines the structure for integrating sectorial DPIs, including but not limited to digital identity systems, payment platforms, and data exchange frameworks.

The agency stated the document is designed to establish clear guidelines for interoperability, data protection, cybersecurity, and the participation of both public and private sector stakeholders in building Digital Public Goods (DPGs), utilising these critical digital foundations.

Extensive research, international best practices, and consultations with various stakeholders have guided the development of this draft technical standards.

Umar said: “It reflects the government’s vision to leverage the power of digital technologies to achieve its national development objectives and improve the lives of all Nigerians.”

NITDA highlighted the major objectives of the draft Digital Public Infrastructure Regulation to include the following:

• Enhance Interoperability: Ensure seamless communication across platforms, agencies, and services
• Ensure Data Security and Privacy: Protect sensitive information while complying with local and international regulations
• Promote Accessibility and Usability: Create inclusive systems that are easy to navigate and cater to all citizens, including marginalised groups.
• Define Performance Benchmarks: Establish metrics to ensure systems are reliable, scalable, and efficient.
• Foster Governance and Compliance: Provide clear accountability, transparency, and regulatory alignment rules
• Encourage Innovation: Facilitate the adoption of open-source technologies while adhering to proper usage guidelines, and
• Standardise Testing Practices: Ensure consistent validation of systems to meet defined technical and user requirements.

The IT regulator said the Federal Government well recognises the crucial role of public inputs to shape effective and impactful regulations.

NITDA, therefore, invites all stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, civil society organisations, academia, and international partners, to review the draft regulation and provide valuable feedback.

Meanwhile, the draft Technical Standards for Digital Public Infrastructure Regulation is available for review on the Web site at: nitda.gov.ng.

The agency stated the stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments and suggestions in writing to: regulations@nitda.gov.ng by May 8, 2025.

It said after the public consultation period, the NITDA will carefully consider all feedback received before finalising and implementing the Digital Public Infrastructure Regulation.

It said: “This initiative represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

“The Federal Government believes that a well-defined and effectively implemented DPI framework will be instrumental in unlocking the full potential of the digital economy and achieving sustainable and inclusive development for all Nigerians.”

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