As technology advances rapidly and digital transformations continue, a Nation striving to keep pace needs an innovative, efficient, and strategic approach. This sentiment is echoed in the collaboration between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), led by Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), headed by Director-General Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote. The strategic partnership forged in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aims to usher in a new era of secure and seamless digital interactions across the nation, and also the safe sharing of data between various industries.

At the heart of this collaboration lies a concerted effort to address longstanding challenges in digital identity management, payment ecosystems, and data exchange capabilities. Nigeria, like many nations around the globe, faces complex hurdles in ensuring the security, reliability, and interoperability of digital systems crucial for security, economic growth, and social development.

Tech Digest reports that the integration of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) emerges as a cornerstone of this transformative agenda. PKI, with its robust encryption, authentication, and digital signature mechanisms, promises to fortify data security and enable trustworthy digital interactions. Meanwhile, DPI stacks are envisioned as foundational frameworks that facilitate secure and seamless data exchange and also strengthen a modernised digital ecosystem.

The adoption of PKI and DPI signifies the Nation’s commitment to enhancing citizen services, fostering innovation, and unlocking economic potential in the digital realm. As digital interactions become increasingly complex, the importance of robust frameworks that can protect sensitive information while maintaining accessibility and efficiency cannot be overstated.

As PKI will serve as a sophisticated system designed to secure and authenticate digital communications and transactions within Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape, at its core, it relies on asymmetric cryptography, where entities possess a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. This setup ensures secure data transmission and identity verification, crucial for fostering trust and security in digital interactions across sectors.

Additionally, PKI facilitates digital signatures, enabling entities to sign data with their private keys, allowing recipients to verify the sender’s identity and ensure data integrity. PKI’s encryption technique plays a crucial role in ensuring data confidentiality and integrity. By encrypting data using the recipient’s public key, only the corresponding private key holder can decrypt and access the information, safeguarding sensitive data in transit and at rest.

It’s similar to having a box with two keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is shared openly, like the key everyone knows for the box. Anyone can use the public key to lock messages or data intended for you, and only your private key, kept secret, can unlock them. It’s like sending a locked box that only you can open, even though anyone can lock it.

On the other hand, DPI will play a crucial role in facilitating secure, seamless, and interoperable data exchange within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, encompassing government, businesses, and citizens. At the heart of DPI is the concept of interoperability, ensuring that data can flow seamlessly between different applications, databases, and stakeholders while maintaining security, privacy, and data integrity standards.

DPI’s scope extends to enabling seamless data exchange, interoperability, and collaboration across sectors such as government services, businesses, healthcare, finance, education, and logistics. On the other end, PKI’s applications are primarily focused on securing digital identities, online transactions, communications, and sensitive data across various industries.

Examining these solution technologies alongside the current challenges in Nigeria’s digital landscape, it becomes clear that this is a timely and appropriate step forward. One of the critical issues it will address is the problem of Online Transaction Security. It has been a persistent challenge for both technology agencies and financial institutions in Nigeria over the past few years.

Over the past three years, Nigerian banking institutions have reportedly lost over N150 billion to online banking fraud. For a country striving for economic and technological growth, this is worrisome . However, by implementing DPI frameworks, financial institutions can offer robust online banking services, digital payment solutions, and secure communication channels for customers. End-to-end encryption protects sensitive financial data during transmission, reducing the risks of phishing attacks, identity theft, and payment fraud. This will also enhance user confidence in digital financial services and promote the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

Furthermore, DPI facilitates regulatory compliance with financial data protection laws and international standards such as PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). Secure data exchange protocols, audit trails, and access controls ensure that financial institutions adhere to privacy regulations, safeguard customer information, and prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.

Additionally, other than the digital economy bolstering, security-wise, DPI and PKI can significantly enhance interoperability between security agencies, leading to improved coordination, information sharing, and overall security measures. Firstly, DPI will provide a standardised framework and secure communication channels that allow different security agencies, such as law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and border control, to exchange information seamlessly while maintaining data confidentiality and integrity. This will ensure that relevant threat intelligence, criminal activities, and security alerts can be shared promptly and effectively among agencies, enabling proactive responses to security challenges.

Secondly, PKI will play a crucial role in establishing trusted digital identities and secure authentication techniques for authorised personnel within security agencies. Each individual’s digital identity is verified through digital certificates, ensuring that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive information and operational resources. This reduces the risk of unauthorised access, insider threats, and data breaches within security networks, enhancing overall cybersecurity posture.

Moreover, DPI and PKI frameworks will facilitate cross-agency collaboration in joint operations, investigations, and intelligence-gathering activities. Secure data exchange protocols, encrypted communication channels, and access controls enable real-time sharing of actionable intelligence and situational awareness across multiple security domains. This collaborative approach will enhance the agility and effectiveness of security responses to emerging threats, transnational crime, terrorism, and other security challenges that require coordinated efforts.

Also, the issue of identity theft and impersonation will be a thing of the past as DPI will play a crucial role in improving digital identity management practices in Nigeria. DPI frameworks, coupled with PKI technologies, will enable secure and reliable digital identities for individuals, businesses, and government entities. By issuing and managing digital certificates through trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs), DPI ensures the authenticity and integrity of digital identities, reducing the risks of identity theft and fraud in online interactions and communications.

Moreover, according to Tech Digest, a journal on Technology in Nigeria, DPI facilitates the seamless integration of digital identity systems across various sectors, such as healthcare, education, and finance. Interoperability standards and secure data exchange protocols enable entities to verify identities securely while complying with privacy regulations and user consent requirements. This enhances user experience, boosts confidence in digital services, and encourages widespread adoption of digital solutions.

It should be noted that regulatory compliance, standard adherence, and data privacy underscores a commitment to responsible digital governance and citizen trust. As PKI and DPI implementations unfold, ensuring transparency, accountability, and continuous monitoring of cybersecurity risks will be paramount to maintaining trust, mitigating threats, and adapting to evolving digital landscapes.

The collaborative efforts between NITDA and NIMC mark a significant stride towards fortifying Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and fostering a vibrant digital ecosystem. This strategic partnership centered on PKI and DPI signifies a shared commitment to leveraging technology for enhancing digital identity management, securing data exchange capabilities, and propelling innovation across diverse sectors of the economy.

The collaboration on PKI and DPI initiatives heralds a transformative era for Nigeria’s digital economy, security, and societal progress. By fostering collaborative partnerships, upholding regulatory compliance, and prioritising cybersecurity and privacy, Nigeria is poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities and inclusivity in its digital journey towards a prosperous and digitally empowered nation.

Shuaib S. Agaka, a Tech Journalist writes from PRNigeria Centre Kano

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To further strengthen the Nigeria cyberspace and enhance the digital trust as enshrined in the National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0, the Agency has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission, (NIMC) on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) with the aim of enhancing digital identity, payment ecosystem and secure seamless exchange of data in the country.

NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, made this known during a working visit to his counterpart, the NIMC Director General, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote to discuss the various initiatives that centered around the building of DPI stacks for a secure and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.

While emphasising that the collaboration will harness the potential of the technology innovation ecosystem, he maintained that the use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) will also help to drive the Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

He used the opportunity to provide insights into NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan stating that NITDA is evolving and that has informed the decision of the Agency to keep re-imagining itself.

He noted that the Agency recently re-crafted its vision and mission to reflect the current realities in the industry.

Inuwa further explained that the NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2024-2027) 2.0 is anchored on eight pillars which include; Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating Talents, Building a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Frameworks, Promoting Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Enhancing Cybersecurity and Digital Trust, Nurturing an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations, and Cultivating a Vibrant Organisational Culture with an Agile Workforce.

In her remarks, the NIMC’s Director General, expressed the enthusiasm of the Commission to collaborate with NITDA in advancing the digital economy sector stating that “no institutions can implement all its policies and programs in isolation, we need each other to achieve the set targets.”

Engr. Coker further informed the gathering that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a circular on data integration and harmonisation of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and on PKI for growth and development of the country.

The highlight of the meeting was the inauguration of a 12-man committee that is saddled with the responsibility of kick-starting and harmonising the initiatives and the committee is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report in the coming weeks.

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In its latest NIN enrolment data release, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) revealed that it has issued National Identification Numbers (NIN) to a total of 104.16 million Nigerians as of December 31, 2023.

Despite this milestone, the country is facing a race against time to meet the World Bank’s target of 148 million NINs by June 2024 under the Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.The data indicates a total of 10.13 million NINs were issued throughout 2023, bringing the NIN database from 94.03 million in December 2022 to the current figure.

The slow pace of registration has been a concern, prompting action with the recent appointment of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote as the new Director-General of NIMC.Lagos State maintains its lead in NIN enrolments, capturing 11.42 million Nigerians, followed closely by Kano State with 9.19 million NINs.

The top ten states also include Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Katsina, FCT, Rivers, Delta, and Bauchi.However, certain states face lower enrolment figures, with Kwara, Akwa-Ibom, Kogi, Enugu, Yobe, Taraba, Cross River, Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa forming the bottom ten in terms of NIN registrations.Gender distribution data reveals that 59.12 million (56.8%) of the captured individuals are male, while 45.04 million (43.2%) are female.

Despite the progress, meeting the World Bank’s targets remains uncertain, as Nigeria must issue NIN to at least 65 million females and 50 million children under 16 years of age by June 1, 2024.

NIMC assures the public that efforts are underway to accelerate the issuance of digital identity tokens, aligning with the renewed hope mandate of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. As the deadline approaches, the nation remains committed to achieving the ambitious ID4D project goals.

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By Abbas Badmus

TECHDIGEST – The new Acting Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr Bisoye Coker-Odusote, resumed office on Thursday.

She was welcomed to the premises of the NIMC headquarters in Abuja by a cross-section of staff members led by the outgoing DG, Engr Aliyu Abubakar Aziz.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Tuesday directed Engr. Aziz to proceed on a 90-day pre-retirement leave with effect from Thursday.

According to a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the former NIMC boss is due to retire from service on November 24, 2023.

The President therefore appointed Engr. Coker-Odusote to serve as the Acting Director-General/CEO of the agency for a 90-day period, with effect from Thursday after which a full term of four years will begin as the substantive NIMC boss on November 24, 2023.

Tech Digest reports that Coker-Odusote’s appointment comes at a crucial time when NIMC is playing an increasingly vital role in the nation’s digital transformation. As the custodian of citizens’ biometric data and the issuer of the National Identification Number (NIN), the NIMC’s role has expanded to encompass various government initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery, security, and identity verification.

Prior to his appointment, Coker-Odusote held positions in both the public and private sectors, demonstrating her capacity to bridge the gap between technology and governance. Her leadership is expected to steer NIMC towards greater efficiency, innovation, and alignment with global identity management best practices.

Engr Coker-Odusote, who according to sources close to her will turn 38 in October, is a long-term associate of the President, serving as his Special Adviser on Technology when he was Lagos state governor.

The new NIMC boss has over 15-year experience in IT and engineering. She was the Head of IT and Communications at Bate Liwin, a world renowned engineering, procurement and construction firm.

She was also the National Database Project Director for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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TECHDIGEST – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, to proceed on a 90-day pre-retirement leave with effect from Thursday August 24, 2023.

According to a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the NIMC boss is due to retire from service on November 24, 2023.

The President therefore appointed Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote to serve as the Acting Director-General/CEO of the agency for a 90-day period, with effect from August 24, 2023, after which a full term of four years will begin as the substantive NIMC boss on November 24, 2023.

Engr Coker-Odusote is a long-term associate of the President, serving as his Special Adviser on Technology when he was Lagos state governor.

The new NIMC boss has over 15-year experience in IT and engineering. She was the Head of IT and Communications at Bate Liwin, a world renowned engineering, procurement and construction firm.

She was also the National Database Project Director for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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