By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), tasking it with ensuring a robust, well-coordinated, and legally compliant rollout of DPI initiatives in line with Nigeria’s development aspirations.
According to an official signed statement made available by the Director, Information & Public Relations, OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, underscored the strategic importance of Digital Public Infrastructure in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
In his remarks, the SGF highlighted that, “DPI is the key to unlocking new avenues for growth, creating jobs, improving public service delivery, and empowering our citizens. To achieve this vision, we must establish a well-coordinated and robust governance structure to drive its implementation.”
He charged members of the newly constituted Presidential Committee to provide the strategic direction necessary for integrating the three core pillars of DPI Digital Identity, Financial Payments, and Data Exchange. He emphasized that such integration is crucial for driving innovation, ensuring secure and efficient service delivery, and fostering evidence-based decision-making in governance.
The Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to national development through the deployment of digital identity systems. “We acknowledge our full responsibilities to contribute meaningfully to advance economic growth, enhance citizen engagement, and improve overall quality of life through DPI. NIMC pledges her full support and cooperation on this noble endeavour, and together we shall work diligently to ensure the implementation of DPI in Nigeria,” she stated.
In his technical presentation, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized the necessity of unifying government databases. He noted that this would facilitate seamless data exchange, eliminate duplication, and significantly improve the experience of Nigerian citizens in accessing public services throughout life events.
Also speaking at the inauguration, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Mr. Premier Oiwoh, noted the growing synergy between NIBSS and other government agencies such as NIMC in enhancing financial transaction integrity. He revealed that efforts are already underway to integrate the National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) databases to ensure secure payments and accurate identity verification. “NIBSS has been working collaboratively with NIMC to verify National Identity Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers to ensure financial payment and secure transactions by linking their database for more efficient results,” he said.
The Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure is chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation serves as a member and secretariat. Other members include the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Minister of Interior, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning. Also on the committee are the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The establishment of this committee signals the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging digital infrastructure as a tool for inclusive governance, economic empowerment, and national development.
