By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for stakeholder input in the development of the Nigerian Data Exchange (NDX), a critical component of the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework.
This initiative aims to facilitate seamless data sharing and exchange between government agencies, private sector entities, and other stakeholders, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, represented by Dr. Wariowei Dimie, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, made the disclosure at the public review of the draft Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Live environment and the draft technical standard for Nigeria data exchange with the theme: advancing Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure through standard, data exchange, and eGovernment transformation.
Abdullahi emphasized the importance of collective participation in reviewing the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework and developing the Nigerian Data Exchange.
He noted that a whole-of-government approach, involving both federal and sub-national levels, is crucial for making Nigeria a digitally empowered nation.
He urged participants to engage fully, co-create, and co-own the process to ensure smooth implementation and welcomed attendees to share ideas and experiences, aiming for a fruitful outcome.
NITDA recognizes that the success of the NDX depends on the active participation and contributions of various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector companies, civil society organizations, and individual citizens.
NITDA will continue to engage with stakeholders through various forums and platforms to ensure that the NDX is designed and developed in a way that meets the needs and expectations of all stakeholders while pledging the agency commitment to ensuring that the NDX is a success and contributes to the country’s economic growth and development.
Speaking Director-General, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Abdulateef Shittu represented by Mr. Shina Ayotola commended NITDA for its leadership in convening this workshop at a time when the conversation around Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has become critical to Nigeria’s development aspirations.
He said, the goal of building secure, interoperable, and inclusive digital systems has become a universal objective. This goal cannot be achieved by each government in isolation. It requires strong federal-state collaboration and robust multi-stakeholder partnerships.
“At the NGF, we have been intentional about ensuring that state governments take the lead in their digital transformation journey. Our DPI Readiness Report, the first comprehensive assessment of digital public infrastructure, policies, and capabilities across Nigeria’s 36 states, was a major step in this direction”.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr Rafiu Adeladan represented by Mr Johnson Bareyei Director eGovernment, Ministry of Communication said today’s conversation is centered on a concept that is fast becoming the backbone of 21st century governance and service delivery
He explained that Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Simply put, DPI refers to the foundational digital systems that enable seamless identification, secure payments, and trusted data exchange. These building blocks allow government, businesses, and citizens to connect, transact, and innovate with speed, transparency, and efficiency.
“For Nigeria, the deployment of DPI is not just a technological aspiration. it is a development imperative. It is the foundation upon which we can deliver inclusive economic growth, reduce transaction costs in governance, improve public service delivery, and foster trust between government and citizens.
