A secure and efficient system for digital identity management is crucial for unlocking access to services, reducing fraud, and enabling a wide range of digital interactions.

In Nigeria, building a robust infrastructure for digital identity management is not only a matter of technology; it is also a key factor in driving financial inclusion, economic growth, and governance efficiency.

For this purpose, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a robust infrastructure for efficient digital identity management.

Speaking at a forum, President Bola Tinubu said a robust digital public infrastructure would facilitate efficient digital identity management for all Nigerians to access services.

The president, who was represented by the Secretary to the Federation, George Akume, said this at the 6th National Identity Day. He also stressed the critical role of digital identity in national development.

The event, with the theme “Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Enabling Access to Services”, was organised by National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Importance

Tinubu described DPI as the backbone that enabled access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.

According to him, “in today’s digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental cornerstone of our socioeconomic progress.

“Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the backbone that enables access to essential services, including healthcare, education, 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 and development.”

Tinubu highlighted the importance of efficient digital identity systems in streamlining service delivery and ensuring government programmes reached those who need them most.

“The ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative represents our commitment to fostering sustainable development and enhancing the living standards of all Nigerians. “Digital identity is a vital enabler of this vision, as it empowers individuals, facilitates economic transactions, and enhances transparency and accountability in governance.

“Harnessing a robust digital identity system, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.”

Security purpose

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stressed the importance of getting identity right to protect citizens and provide basic amenities. “If you fail to accurately identify individuals, you cannot protect those you do not know.

“That is the reality. You cannot provide for those you do not know, and to do so, you must establish accurate identities. “You must get the Evidence of Identity (EOI) right. Identity forms the foundation, the genesis, and the starting point for development,” he said.

Multiplicity of database

Various government agencies, including NIMC, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have developed separate identity databases.

However, these databases often lack interconnectivity, leading to duplication of efforts and inefficiencies in identity verification processes. A robust digital identity infrastructure can address these challenges by unifying identity systems and enabling seamless identity verification across multiple platforms.

The Director General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, highlighted the significance of DPI in facilitating access to public and private services and driving economic development. She said:

“The role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has become vital to Nigeria’s economic development, providing a framework that connects citizens to essential services, including social welfare, healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.

“Leading this transformation is the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), responsible for the National Identification Number (NIN), which has successfully enrolled more than 110 million Nigerians.

“This achievement presents a unique opportunity for integrating the remaining two pillars of DPI – data exchange and payment – with foundational identity, facilitating effective development and adoption.”

Challenges

According to experts, one of the most significant challenges in Nigeria’s digital identity landscape is the fragmentation of data across different agencies. Each agency manages its own siloed database, making it difficult to create a comprehensive

Data privacy and security are paramount concerns in digital identity systems

identity profile for citizens. Without interoperability between these systems, it is nearly impossible to establish a unified national identity database.

Interoperability ensures that data from various agencies and sectors—such as banking, healthcare, and telecommunications—can be seamlessly shared and accessed when necessary.

Creating a unified infrastructure would require the adoption of common data standards, protocols, and interfaces that enable diverse systems to communicate effectively.

Building this kind of system will require collaboration between public and private stakeholders, strong regulatory frameworks, and the establishment of data-sharing agreements that protect citizens’ privacy.

Tech infrastructure

Nigeria’s technological infrastructure, though rapidly growing, is still inadequate to support large-scale digital identity management systems. The country faces a digital divide, particularly in rural areas where internet penetration remains low.

The success of a robust digital identity system hinges on the availability of reliable internet access, mobile penetration, and efficient energy supply. In many rural areas, where the need for identity registration is often greatest, internet access is sparse, and power outages are frequent.

Without addressing these issues, any attempt to implement a nationwide digital identity system will leave large portions of the population excluded.

Improving the country’s broadband coverage and energy infrastructure is critical to ensuring the inclusivity and sustainability of a digital identity management system.

Data privacy

Data privacy and security are paramount concerns in digital identity systems. With sensitive personal data being stored and exchanged in a digital identity infrastructure, there is a heightened risk of cyberattacks, data breaches, and identity theft.

Nigeria has been the target of numerous cyberattacks in recent years, underscoring the need for strong cybersecurity measures. To build trust in a digital identity system, the Nigerian government must enact and enforce stringent data protection laws that align with global best practices.

The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) is a positive step in this direction, but more comprehensive legislation and technical safeguards are needed.

Encryption, biometric verification, and multi-factor authentication are essential components of a secure digital identity system that protects users’ data and ensures that only authorised entities can access sensitive information.

Regulatory frameworks

Establishing a digital identity system requires a well-defined legal and regulatory framework. Nigeria’s legal environment for digital identity is evolving, but gaps remain in terms of governance, accountability, and enforcement.

Clear regulations are needed to define how data is collected, stored, and shared, as well as the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in the digital identity ecosystem.

Additionally, ensuring compliance with international standards, such as those set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), can help Nigeria build a globally recognised and trusted digital identity system.

Mobile technology offers a practical solution for expanding access to digital identity services in Nigeria, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

With mobile penetration exceeding 90 per cent in the country, leveraging mobile devices for identity registration and verification can significantly increase the reach of the digital identity system.

Mobile-based identity platforms, such as those using USSD codes or mobile apps, can enable citizens to register for digital identities without needing to visit physical registration centers.

To achieve this, partnerships with telecommunications companies, fintech firms, and mobile network operators will be essential.

These partnerships can help build a digital identity infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, and easy to use for all Nigerians, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.

A well-implemented digital identity system can yield numerous benefits for Nigeria, including financial inclusion, efficient governance, economic growth, social service access, etc.

Last line

Building a robust infrastructure for digital identity management in Nigeria is critical for advancing the country’s digital transformation.

While challenges such as data fragmentation, inadequate infrastructure, and privacy concerns remain, strategic investments in technology, legal frameworks, and partnerships can help Nigeria overcome these hurdles.