NITDA and NIMC Deepen Partnership to Accelerate Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure
The renewed partnership follows the enactment of the NIMC Act 2026, which replaces the 2007 legal framework and expands the Commission's role beyond identity database management to serve as Nigeria's foundational digital identity authority.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have agreed to strengthen their collaboration to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure, marking a significant step in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The renewed partnership follows the enactment of the NIMC Act 2026, which replaces the 2007 legal framework and expands the Commission’s role beyond identity database management to serve as Nigeria’s foundational digital identity authority. The legislation reinforces the national identity principle of “one person, one identity, one number”, with the aim of strengthening digital trust, securing online transactions, and supporting the country’s digital sovereignty.
During a strategic meeting at NITDA headquarters, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi congratulated NIMC on the new legislation and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting its implementation. As part of the collaboration, NITDA pledged to transfer its existing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to NIMC, aligning both institutions under a unified legal framework for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
Inuwa said the partnership is focused on translating policy into tangible outcomes by aligning regulation with digital infrastructure to deliver reliable, citizen-centred digital services. The agencies also agreed to work together on practical initiatives that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
As part of the partnership, NITDA will provide technical and strategic support for NIMC’s nationwide identity enrolment campaign, which aims to reach all 8,809 wards across the country. The agencies also identified key areas of collaboration, including cybersecurity, secure data exchange, and the harmonisation of digital trust standards.
The partnership is expected to support financial inclusion, improve the delivery of government services, and strengthen the protection of national data as Nigeria continues its transition toward a modern digital economy. Both agencies expressed confidence that closer cooperation will accelerate the implementation of digital identity initiatives and enhance public confidence in digital services.
The high-level meeting concluded with a tour of NITDA’s facilities, including the Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT) unit and the Idea2Impact Innovation Space, underscoring both agencies’ commitment to moving from policy discussions to the practical implementation of Nigeria’s digital transformation initiatives.
