FG inaugurates Presidential Committee Digital Infrastructure 

The Federal Government has formally inaugurated the Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), a strategic initiative aimed at aligning digital infrastructure development with Nigeria’s broader socio-economic goals.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, represented by the Honourable Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, underscored the critical role of DPI in unlocking new growth opportunities, generating employment, improving public service delivery, and empowering Nigerian citizens.

“DPI is the key to unlocking new avenues for growth, creating jobs, improving public service delivery and empowering our citizens. To achieve this vision, we must establish a well-coordinated and robust governance structure to drive its implementation,” the SGF stated.

The Committee is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring strategic direction and coordination in the seamless integration of the three core pillars of DPI, Digital Identity, Financial Payments, and Data Exchange, with the aim of fostering innovation and evidence-based governance.

In her remarks, the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, highlighted NIMC’s pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians through DPI. “We acknowledge our full responsibilities to contribute meaningfully to advance economic growth, enhance citizen engagement and improve overall quality of life through DPI. NIMC pledges her full support and cooperation on this noble endeavour,” she affirmed.

Dr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), stressed the importance of unifying government databases to facilitate efficient data exchange and improve service delivery for life events.

Similarly, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Mr Premier Oiwoh, emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to address local challenges in identity management and financial transactions. He noted ongoing collaborations with NIMC to verify National Identity Numbers (NIN) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), thereby enhancing secure and efficient financial services.

Members of the Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):

1. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Chairman

2. Secretary to the Government of the Federation – Member/Secretariat

3. Head of the Civil Service of the Federation – Member

4. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice – Member

5. Minister of Finance – Member

6. Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy – Member

7. Minister of Interior – Member

8. Minister of Budget and National Planning – Member

9. Director General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) – Member

10. Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) – Member