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President Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to ensure access to essential services for all Nigerians.
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Speaking at the 6th National Identity Day event held in Abuja, Tinubu—represented by Secretary to the Federation, George Akume—highlighted the pivotal role of digital identity in driving national development.
Themed “Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Enabling Access to Services,” the event, organized by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), emphasized the need for a strong DPI to improve access to services like healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and social welfare.
“In today’s digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental cornerstone of our socioeconomic progress,” Tinubu stated.
He further underscored that building a strong DPI is crucial for ensuring every Nigerian, regardless of their background or location, can participate in the nation’s growth.
Digital identity essential to achieving ‘Renewed Hope’
Tinubu highlighted the ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative, aimed at fostering sustainable development and improving living standards across Nigeria. He emphasized that digital identity is essential to this vision, as it empowers individuals, facilitates economic transactions, and promotes transparency and accountability in governance.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stressed the importance of accurate identity systems to protect citizens and provide basic amenities, stating, “You cannot provide for those you do not know, and to do so, you must establish accurate identities.”
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), praised the event’s alignment with the UN’s Agenda 16.9 on Sustainable Development Goals and highlighted the Nigeria Data Protection Act as a turning point in the country’s digital economy.
NIMC Director General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, noted that DPI is vital for driving economic growth and connecting citizens to essential services. She celebrated the milestone of enrolling over 110 million Nigerians into the National Identification Number (NIN) system, setting the stage for further integration of DPI’s key pillars: data exchange, payments, and foundational identity.
