By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance and create synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystem, and secure and seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.
According to a statement, this is part of efforts to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
During the meeting between the Director-General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, and the Director General of NIMC, Mrs Bisoye Coker-Odusote, and some management staff of both organisations discussed various initiatives, including building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.
This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasize the use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up. This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonizing the initiatives.
The committee is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.
Recall that NIMC recently announced that it would launch an upgraded national identity card with payment functionality for all social and financial services.
The innovative card made in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), is to be powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.
According to NIMC, the innovation will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders to prove their identity, and access government and private social services.
It will also facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building.
NIMC noted that only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card.
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