The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a robust digital public infrastructure that enables access to services for all citizens.
The Nigerian President Bola Tinubu stated this at the 6th edition of the National Identity Day organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Abuja, Nigeria.
This year’s National Identity Day was themed ‘Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).’
DPI refers to a digital network typically built in the public sector that enables countries to safely and efficiently deliver economic opportunities and social services to citizens and legal residents.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said this year’s National Identity Day theme, ‘Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)-Enabling Access to Services,’ underscores the critical role digital identity plays in our nation’s development.
‘In today’s digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not just a matter of convenience; it is a corn
erstone of our socioeconomic progress.
‘Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the backbone that enables access to essential services, from healthcare and education to financial inclusion and social welfare.
‘It is through robust DPI that we can ensure every Nigerian, regardless of their background or location, has the opportunity to participate fully in our nation’s growth,’ he said.
President Tinubu noted that by leveraging DPI, the country can streamline service delivery, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure that government programs reach those who need them most.
According to the Nigerian Leader, efficient digital identity systems have proven vital for the success of government programs like providing incentives for farmers, the student loan scheme, the National Youth Talent Export Programme, the Renewed Hope City and Estate Housing initiative, the Skill-Up Artisans Programme, and others.
While emphasising the role verifiable identity plays in a digital economy, President Tinubu stressed tha
t it is crucial to ensure the right services and assistance go to the right people in need of them.
‘The ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative is our commitment to fostering sustainable development and improving the living standards of all Nigerians.
‘Digital identity is a key enabler of this vision. It empowers individuals, facilitates economic transactions, and enhances transparency and accountability in governance.
‘With a reliable digital identity system, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria,’ he said.
The country’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said it was the government’s right to have the people’s identities and ensure they are protected.
‘If you do not get the identity of the people right, you can’t protect who you don’t know.
‘That is the truth. You can’t provide for who you don’t know and for you to do that, you must get your identity right.
‘You must get the EOI right. What is the EOI? That’s the evidence of identity. Because identity is the foundation. Identity is the gen
esis. It is the beginning upon which development will be built,’ he said.
Tunji-Ojo said with proper management of identity, it would not be difficult to segregate the good from the bad and also provide basic policing and amenities of life for the people.
He affirmed that the Data Protection Act was fundamental in any democracy in the world, saying it was the right of the people.
The Director General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the day was commemorated worldwide to highlight the importance of identity and its responsible use for inclusion, protection and empowerment.
‘The focus of this event, which centres around a strong digital public infrastructure (DPI) to support the government’s initiatives, is timely and relevant.
‘NIMC plays as a key stakeholder, and DPI facilitates seamless access to public and private services across different sectors such as financial, healthcare, and agriculture, amongst others.’
Mrs. Coker-Odusote said DPI had shown to be scalable and encourage innovation, which ac
celerates financial inclusion and transforms the lives of citizens by addressing challenges of physical distance and documentation as well as the high cost of transactions.
‘The role of DPI has become indispensable to Nigeria’s economic development, as it offers a framework that connects citizens to essential services such as social welfare, healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.
‘At the forefront of this transformation is NIMC, responsible for the National Identification Number (NIN), which has enrolled over 110 million Nigerians.
‘This provides a unique opportunity for the other two (2) pillars of the DPI-data exchange and payment-to be layered on foundational identity for its effective development and adoption,’ she added.
Source: Voice of Nigeria