By Adeyemi Adepetun
As part of its developmental agenda, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has released the draft Technical Standards for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and has called on the public to participate in the consultation process by reviewing and submitting feedback on the proposed framework.
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 programme 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.
As such, NITDA said in furtherance of the above, this draft Technical Standards for DPI provides a structured approach for developing and deploying Nigeria’s DPI.
According to NITDA, they define the essential technical requirements and proven techniques to ensure interoperability, security, and efficiency across digital services.
The technology development body said by establishing clear guides, these standards support the seamless integration of DPI components, fostering a secure, scalable, and resilient digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
Further, it outlined the structure for integrating sectorial DPIs, including but not limited to digital identity systems, payment platforms, and data exchange frameworks. It aimed to establish clear guidelines for interoperability, data protection, cybersecurity, and the participation of both public and private sector stakeholders in building digital public goods (DPGs), utilising these critical digital foundations.
NITDA said extensive research, international best practices, and consultations with various stakeholders have guided the development of this draft technical standard. It reflected the government’s vision to leverage the power of digital technologies to achieve its national development objectives and improve the lives of all Nigerians.
Key objectives of the draft DPI regulation include enhancing interoperability, ensure data security and privacy, promote accessibility and usability, define performance benchmarks, foster governance and compliance, encourage innovation and standardise testing practices.
The Federal Government recognises the crucial role of public input in shaping effective and impactful regulations. Therefore, it invited all stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, civil society organisations, academia, and international partners, to review the draft regulation and provide valuable feedback.
