The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially transferred its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) framework to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and enhancing secure electronic transactions nationwide.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations of NITDA, Hadiza Umar, the transfer of assets, technology and ongoing operations is designed to provide the security backbone required to establish a modern, integrated and highly secure national digital identity ecosystem.
Speaking during the formal handover ceremony at NITDA’s headquarters in Abuja, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, described the move as a demonstration of the Agency’s commitment to collaborating with institutions leveraging technology for national development.
He said NITDA had undertaken extensive foundational work on Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and would continue to work closely with NIMC to ensure a seamless transition.
“We have done extensive foundational work around Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure, and we will work hand-in-hand with NIMC’s team to ensure a seamless transition of the infrastructure,” Inuwa said.
He explained that PKI provides the framework for creating, managing, verifying and authenticating digital identities through digital certificates, making it a critical tool for secure, trusted and encrypted digital communications and transactions.
According to the statement, the handover aligns with the recently enacted NIMC Act signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, which seeks to harmonise identity databases across government agencies and position the National Identification Number (NIN) as the foundation for identity verification, authentication and public service delivery.
Reaffirming NITDA’s broader commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation, Inuwa said the Agency’s mandate extends beyond regulation to fostering collaboration, supporting innovation and ensuring that digital solutions are accessible and beneficial to every Nigerian.
“Digital Public Infrastructure is just as vital to economic growth as physical infrastructure. It must remain secure, reliable and accessible to all,” he added.
In her remarks, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, described the newly enacted NIMC Act as a transformative legal framework that replaces the nearly two-decade-old law established in 2007.
She said the legislation marks Nigeria’s transition from a conventional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem designed to ensure interoperability, security and efficiency across both public and private sector platforms.
“The new law represents a structured transition from a traditional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem built on interoperability, security and efficiency,” she said.
Dr. Coker-Odusote explained that the new framework is anchored on the principle of “one person, one identity,” providing every Nigerian with a unique and verifiable digital identity while creating the legal foundation for deploying Public Key Infrastructure and other trust frameworks to secure digital interactions.
She added that the transition would be implemented in carefully planned phases to safeguard citizens’ data and maintain public confidence in the digital identity system.
The statement noted that both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, with NIMC managing Nigeria’s foundational identity infrastructure while NITDA continues to drive ecosystem development, digital regulation and technology adoption.
According to the agencies, the partnership represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards building a secure, inclusive and innovation-driven digital economy.
