The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is pleased to announce the release of the Draft Technical Standards for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for public consultation. This pivotal initiative reinforces the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and interoperable digital ecosystem that fosters economic growth, enhances public service delivery, and empowers every Nigerian citizen.
The release follows the unveiling of the Digital Public Infrastructure Framework on March 4, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. That framework laid the foundation for a whole-of-government approach to reforming public service delivery through DPI and introduced the Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure Centre (Ng-DPIC) as the national coordinating body.
The Draft Technical Standards for DPI now serve as a strategic follow-up, offering a detailed guide to ensure the interoperability, security, and scalability of DPI components—including digital identity systems, payment platforms, and data exchange frameworks.
Key Objectives of the Draft Regulation Include:
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Enhancing Interoperability: Ensuring seamless interaction between platforms, services, and agencies.
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Ensuring Data Security and Privacy: Adhering to both local and international data protection standards.
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Promoting Accessibility and Usability: Designing inclusive systems for all citizens, especially vulnerable and marginalized groups.
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Defining Performance Benchmarks: Establishing metrics to ensure system reliability, efficiency, and scalability.
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Fostering Governance and Compliance: Setting clear accountability and regulatory alignment mechanisms.
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Encouraging Innovation: Supporting open-source adoption and digital public goods under structured guidelines.
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Standardising Testing Practices: Validating systems consistently against defined technical and user-centric benchmarks.
The standards were developed through extensive research, global best practices, and broad stakeholder engagement, underscoring the government’s resolve to drive digital transformation that aligns with national priorities.
In line with its inclusive approach to policy development, NITDA invites citizens, industry players, academia, civil society, and international partners to review the draft document and provide constructive feedback. Comments and suggestions should be submitted in writing to: regulations@nitda.gov.ng
Deadline for submissions: May 8, 2025
Following this consultation, all feedback will be thoroughly reviewed to ensure the final Technical Standards reflect a comprehensive and collaborative vision for Nigeria’s digital future.
This effort represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s Digital Economy Transformation Agenda. A robust and inclusive DPI will not only streamline service delivery but also unlock the immense potential of the digital economy for sustainable and equitable development.