News Highlights:
- NITDA has released draft Technical Standards for Digital Public Infrastructure and is seeking public input by May 8, 2025.
- The standards aim to ensure secure, interoperable digital systems that support inclusive national development.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is calling for public comments and inputs on the just released Draft Technical Standards for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), according to a release by Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Director, Corporate Communications & Media Relations at NITDA.
Digital TimesNG reports that this development marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to build an inclusive, secure, and interoperable digital ecosystem aimed at boosting economic growth, enhancing public service delivery, and empowering citizens nationwide.
The statement recalls that this draft follows the earlier release of the Digital Public Infrastructure Framework on March 4, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy which outlined a transformative platform to reform public service delivery through a whole-of-government approach, encouraging active participation from the private sector in delivering cross-cutting services.
It also established the Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure Centre (Ng-DPIC) as the national coordinating body for DPI education, research, and implementation.
In continuation of this national effort, the newly released draft Technical Standards provide a structured guideline for developing and deploying Nigeria’s DPI.
These standards outline essential technical requirements and tested methodologies to ensure interoperability, security, and efficiency across all digital services. They are designed to guide the seamless integration of sectoral DPIs, including digital identity systems, payment platforms, and data exchange frameworks.
The draft also establishes clear protocols for data protection, cybersecurity, and the collaborative participation of public and private stakeholders in building digital public goods, leveraging Nigeria’s critical digital infrastructure.
Developed through extensive research, consultations with diverse stakeholders, and alignment with international best practices, the draft standards represent the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies for national development and improved citizen welfare.
Key objectives of the draft regulation include enhancing interoperability across platforms and services, ensuring data security and privacy, promoting accessibility and inclusivity, defining performance benchmarks, fostering governance and compliance, encouraging innovation through open-source adoption, and standardising system testing practices.
Recognising the importance of public engagement, the Federal Government is inviting stakeholders—including citizens, businesses, civil society, academia, and international partners—to review the draft regulation and submit their feedback. Contributions can be emailed to regulations@nitda.gov.ng on or before May 8, 2025.
The statement explained that the draft Technical Standards for Digital Public Infrastructure Regulation can be accessed via nitda.gov.ng, while received feedback will be carefully considered by NITDA before the final regulation is published and implemented.
This initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to digital transformation and is expected to play a pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of the digital economy, contributing to inclusive and sustainable national development.
