To unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy and improve access to essential online services, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has unveiled draft technical standards for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). The agency has called on citizens, businesses, and experts to review and comment on proposed new rules for how digital systems operate across the country, aiming to build a more connected and efficient nation.
According to NITDA, the released draft guidelines aim to ensure seamless communication between different digital platforms. This 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.
This Digital Public Infrastructure framework outlines a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to reforming public service delivery, encouraging private sector participation in developing cross-cutting services that enhance citizen well-being. The Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure Centre (Ng-DPIC) was also established to oversee the national effort in knowledge management and research for DPI development.
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The development of these standards, guided by extensive research, international best practices, and stakeholder consultations, reflects the government’s vision to leverage digital technologies for national development. Key objectives include enhancing interoperability, ensuring data security and privacy, promoting accessibility and usability, defining performance benchmarks, fostering governance and compliance, encouraging innovation, and standardising testing practices.
The Federal Government recognises the pivotal role of public input in shaping effective regulations. Therefore, NITDA is calling upon all stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, civil society organisations, academia, and international partners, to review the draft standards and provide valuable feedback.
The draft technical standards are available for review on the NITDA website, and stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments and suggestions via email to regulations@nitda.gov.ng by May 8, 2025.
Following the public consultation period, NITDA will meticulously review all feedback before finalising and implementing the DPI standards.
The Public may recall that on the 4th of March 2025, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, released the Digital Public Infrastructure Framework. 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. The Framework also establishes the Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure Centre (Ng-DPIC) as the program implementation office to coordinate the national effort to educate, support research and deliver appropriate knowledge management for developing Nigeria’s DPI. The aim is to engage meaningfully in developing a robust DPI-driven architecture that benefits society.
Key Objectives of the Draft Digital Public Infrastructure Regulation Include:
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.
Standardise Testing Practices: Ensure consistent validation of systems to meet defined technical and user requirements.
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.