The federal government has unveiled plans to create a single Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) by combining data from the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) and the National Identity Number (NIN) provided by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This initiative, which aims to strengthen digital governance and enhance access to public services, was announced by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani. In a post shared on X, Tijani described the release of the Nigerian DPI framework as a critical move towards a unified approach in providing digital services for citizens during significant life events.
Upon implementation, the framework is expected to provide the government with an effective way to support citizens from birth to legacy by offering a platform for interoperability across all public services. This unified Digital Infrastructure will guarantee that government IT applications no longer function in silos while also acknowledging and honoring the role of several government ministries, departments, and agencies at all governmental levels. The DPI will function on three core technological pillars: a central identity system, a payment exchange system, and a national data exchange system.
Ng-DPIC will serve as the implementing hub for the initiative.
These components are interconnected using interoperable software and reinforced by a robust infrastructure, thus establishing the foundation of the National DPI. As part of the framework, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will create and implement regulations to ensure uniform access to the national DPI. The initiative will leverage the Galaxy Backbone Ltd.’s Shared Services Infrastructure, NIBSS infrastructure, and National Identity Number (NIN) as its operating core. Currently, the majority of digital platforms currently utilized in Nigerian public service delivery are dispersed and isolated, making it difficult to fully utilize the data for planning, governance, and encouraging Private Sector participation.
To overcome these obstacles, the DPI framework adopts a whole-of-government approach that promotes cooperation with the private sector to provide services that increase citizens’ access to necessities. The framework also proposes creating the Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure Centre (Ng-DPIC), which will serve as the hub responsible for implementing the initiative. This body would coordinate national efforts to investigate, educate, support, and provide efficient knowledge management solutions in order to effectively develop Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure.
Benefits of the initiative extend to businesses.
This DPI framework is particularly consistent with the government’s overarching plan to digitize 75% of public services by 2027, leveraging a comprehensive digital platform being developed by NITDA. In order to improve usability, citizen accessibility, and better alignment with public programs, this platform seeks to guarantee that important government databases are connected. The system will also include Digital Literacy tools to close the digital divide and guarantee that a diverse group of Nigerians can access these digital platforms.
Business owners also stand to gain a great deal as the initiative seeks to improve business registration procedure and enhance access to updated platforms that support government grants, incentives, and investments. It is anticipated that these improvements will encourage Economic Expansion and increase access to basic amenities such as social services, healthcare, education, and agricultural assistance. Broader benefits of the digital public infrastructure include expanded access to cutting-edge digital services that have the potential to improve society as a whole.
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Other notable benefits of the DPI include leveling the playing field for small and medium-sized businesses, encouraging inclusion in Social Protection programs, supporting open data access, and promoting transparency. The drive for data harmonization in Nigeria has been ongoing since 2023, when the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that the Federal Government would invest in harmonizing the country’s data infrastructure through the NIMC. The national policy focuses on creating a seamless and integrated National Identity Management System (NIMS) anchored on the unique NIN, which connects various institutional databases under one unified platform.