NITDA, NIMC SET TO COLLABORATE …… Aim To Enhance Digital Identity, Payment Ecosystem And Secure A Seamless Exchange Of Data

"The collaboration will harness the potential of the technology innovation ecosystem, Inuwa maintained that the use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) would also help to drive the Nigeria’s digital transformations agenda." Inuwa.

 

The National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) has expressed readiness to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission, (NIMC) on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

The aim of this collaboration is to enhance digital identity, payment ecosystem and secure a seamless exchange of data in the country and further, strengthen the Nigerian cyberspace which will also, enhance the digital trust as enshrined in the as part of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0.   

Making this known is the Chief Executive Officer and Director General of the Agency, Dr Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, during a working visit to his counterpart at the NIMC, Engr. Bisoye Coker-odusote. The visit was to enable both leaders discuss the various initiatives that centered around the building of DPI stacks for a secure and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system. 

Emphasizing that the collaboration will harness the potential of the technology innovation ecosystem, Inuwa maintained that the use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) would also help to drive the Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.  

He used the opportunity to provide insights into NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan stating that NITDA is evolving and that has informed the decision of the Agency to keep re-imagining itself. He noted that the Agency recently re-crafted its vision and mission to reflect the current realities in the industry.  

“NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2024-2027) 2.0, is anchored on eight pillars. These include; Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating Talents, Building a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Frameworks, Promoting Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Enhancing Cyber-security and Digital Trust, Nurturing an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations, and Cultivating a Vibrant Organizational Culture with an Agile Workforce.” He explained.

In her remarks, the Director General of the NIIMC expressed the enthusiasm of the Commission to collaborate with NITDA in advancing the digital economy sector stating that, “no institutions can implement all its policies and programs in isolation, we need each other to achieve the set targets.” 

Engr. Coker further informed the gathering that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a circular on data integration and harmonization of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and on PKI for growth and development of the country. 

The highlight of the meeting was the inauguration of a 12-man committee that is saddled with the responsibility of kick starting and harmonizing the initiatives and the committee is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report in the coming weeks.