FG Seeks Stakeholder Support to Build Reliable Digital Infrastructure
Government Engages Stakeholders on Secure Digital Public Infrastructure
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among public and private sector stakeholders to develop reliable digital public infrastructure, describing it as a critical foundation for economic growth, efficient service delivery and digital governance in Nigeria.
The call was made during the 2026 ITGOV Summit in Abuja, where government officials highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to build secure and inclusive digital systems capable of supporting both public administration and private sector innovation.
/ You Might Also Like /
Government emphasises importance of digital public infrastructure
Speaking at the summit, the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said digital public infrastructure has become an essential component of modern economies.
According to her, secure digital systems help governments improve service delivery, strengthen institutional efficiency and support economic activities across multiple sectors. She noted that reliable digital infrastructure enables trusted digital interactions between citizens, businesses and government agencies.
The government's position reflects a broader policy direction aimed at accelerating digital transformation and improving access to technology-driven services nationwide.
Focus on trust, security and inclusion
Officials stressed that the success of digital public infrastructure depends on public trust, cybersecurity and accessibility.
The Federal Government stated that digital systems must be designed to ensure secure identity verification, data protection and seamless access to services. Stakeholders were encouraged to work together to develop standards and frameworks that strengthen confidence in digital platforms.
According to the government, reliable digital infrastructure can help reduce administrative bottlenecks, improve transparency and expand access to public services across urban and rural communities.
Legal framework supports digital ecosystem
The government also highlighted the role of the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 in supporting the country's digital transformation agenda.
The legislation provides a framework for digital identity management, electronic authentication and digital trust services. Officials said the law is expected to strengthen the legal foundation for secure digital transactions and improve confidence in technology-enabled service delivery.
The framework is also intended to support broader efforts to modernise public administration and promote interoperability across government systems.
Implications for economic growth and infrastructure development
Digital infrastructure is increasingly recognised as a key driver of economic development, enabling innovation, financial inclusion and more efficient business operations.
Industry experts note that robust digital systems can improve productivity, facilitate investment and support emerging sectors within the digital economy. Enhanced connectivity and digital governance frameworks also create opportunities for businesses to interact more efficiently with regulatory institutions.
For infrastructure stakeholders, digital platforms can improve planning processes, data management and service delivery across sectors including transportation, housing, land administration and urban development.
Relevance for urban development and housing administration
The expansion of digital public infrastructure could have broader implications for urban planning and housing administration.
Digital identity systems, electronic verification tools and integrated government platforms can support more efficient land registration processes, permit approvals and property administration systems. These technologies can also improve transparency and reduce delays in public service delivery.
As cities continue to expand, digital infrastructure is increasingly becoming an important component of smart city development and modern urban governance.
Need for public-private collaboration
The government emphasised that achieving the objectives of digital transformation will require cooperation between government agencies, technology providers, financial institutions and other stakeholders.
Collaboration is expected to help accelerate innovation, strengthen digital capacity and ensure that infrastructure investments meet the needs of both citizens and businesses.
Officials noted that coordinated action will be necessary to build resilient systems capable of supporting Nigeria's long-term development goals.
Outlook
The Federal Government's call for stakeholder collaboration reflects growing recognition of the importance of digital public infrastructure in national development. As investments in digital systems continue to expand, attention will focus on strengthening security, improving interoperability and ensuring inclusive access to technology-enabled services. Successful implementation could enhance governance, support economic growth and create a stronger foundation for digital transformation across multiple sectors of the economy.
READ MORE
