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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially released the draft Technical Standards for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for public consultation, signaling a major step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. The agency is actively inviting input from citizens, businesses, and stakeholders to shape a more inclusive, secure, and interoperable digital ecosystem.
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This development follows the March 2025 launch of the Digital Public Infrastructure Framework by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. The Framework introduces a strategic platform to reform public service delivery through a whole-of-government approach, encouraging public-private collaboration to deliver seamless digital services that enhance the lives of Nigerians.
As part of the initiative, the government established the Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure Centre (Ng-DPIC) to coordinate national efforts, foster research, and guide knowledge sharing in the development of DPI.
Guidelines for integrating key sectoral infrastructures
The newly released draft Technical Standards for DPI provide a structured, standards-based approach to building Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. These standards focus on interoperability, cybersecurity, and system efficiency, ensuring that digital platforms can integrate and operate effectively across sectors. The document also sets out guidelines for integrating key sectoral infrastructures such as digital identity systems, payment platforms, and data exchange frameworks.
In a statement, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications & Media Relations at NITDA, noted that the standards aim to foster a secure and resilient digital environment while enabling both public and private sector players to develop Digital Public Goods (DPGs) on foundational infrastructure.
The draft standards were developed through extensive stakeholder engagement, research, and alignment with international best practices, reflecting Nigeria’s ambition to leverage digital innovation to meet its national development goals and improve public service access for all.
Key Objectives of the Draft DPI Technical Standards
- Enhance Interoperability: Enable seamless integration across platforms, agencies, and digital services.
- Ensure Data Privacy and Security: Protect personal data in compliance with national and international regulations.
- Promote Accessibility: Design inclusive and user-friendly systems for all citizens, including marginalized groups.
- Set Performance Benchmarks: Define standards for reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency.
- Strengthen Governance: Provide regulatory clarity and ensure accountability and transparency.
- Drive Innovation: Support the use of open-source tools while maintaining usage standards.
- Standardize Testing Procedures: Validate technical compliance through unified testing frameworks.
Importance of public participation
The Federal Government is emphasizing the importance of public participation in shaping this critical regulation and encourages all stakeholders — including civil society, academia, the tech industry, and international partners — to review the draft and submit their feedback by May 8, 2025.
The draft is available on the [Insert Website URL], and responses can be emailed to [email protected].
Upon conclusion of the consultation period, NITDA will evaluate all feedback before finalizing the regulation. This effort marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure development, aiming to unlock the potential of the digital economy and promote sustainable, inclusive growth.
