By IJEOMA OLORUNFEMI

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has released the draft on Technical Standards for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and called for stakeholders’ input toward producing an enhanced and enforceable document.

The DPI Is a set of digital systems that enables countries to safely and efficiently provide economic opportunities and deliver social services.

Mrs Hadiza Umar, Director, Corporate Communications and Media Relations, said this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

Umar said the step was part of Federal Government’s commitment toward an inclusive and secure, digital ecosystem for economic growth, seamless public service delivery and empowerment of citizens.

She recalled that the Federal Government on March 4 released the DPI framework, which presented a platform for reforming public service delivery and utilising a whole-of-government approach.

The platform also created an avenue for the private sector to design and deliver cross-cutting services, for the well-being of citizens and easy services.

According to her, the framework also establishes the Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure Centre (Ng-DPIC) as the programme implementation office, to coordinate the national effort in educating and supporting research.

She also said that it would assist in delivering appropriate knowledge management for developing Nigeria’s DPI.

“The draft Technical Standards for DPI provides a structured approach for developing and deploying Nigeria’s DPI.

“They define the essential technical requirements and proven techniques, to ensure interoperability, security and efficiency across digital services.

“By establishing clear guides, these standards support the seamless integration of DPI components, fostering a secure, scalable and resilient digital ecosystem in Nigeria.

“The Federal Government recognises the crucial role of public input in shaping effective, impactful regulations and therefore invites all stakeholders to review the draft regulation and provide valuable feedback,” she said.

Umar also said that the draft outlined the structure for integrating sectorial DPIs, including but not limited to, digital identity systems, payment platforms and data exchange frameworks.

According to her, it establishes clear guidelines for interoperability, data protection, cyber security, the participation of both public and private sector stakeholders in building digital public goods (DPGs).

She said the draft had been well researched according to global best practices, in consultation with various stakeholders.

Umar said it reflected government’s vision to leverage the power of digital technologies, to achieve its national development objectives and improve the lives of Nigerians.

Key objectives of the draft, she added, included enhanced interoperability among government institutions and platforms, assured data security and privacy, promotion of accessibility and usability.

Interoperability refers to the degree to which a software system, devices, applications or other entity can connect and communicate with other entities in a coordinated manner without effort from the end user.

Other objectives of the DPI when adopted, she said, would be to define performance benchmarks, fostering of governance, compliance and encourage innovation.

According to her, the DPI draft is available for review on regulations@nitda.gov.ng, while inputs can be made via same web address.

She added that the agency would carefully consider all feedback received before finalising and implementing the DPI regulation.

“The Federal Government believes that a well-defined and effectively implemented DPI framework will be instrumental in unlocking the full potential of the digital economy, achieving sustainable and inclusive development,” she said. (NAN)