By Florence Joshua
ABUJA – The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has formally transferred its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) framework to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), marking a significant step towards building a secure and integrated national digital identity ecosystem.
The handover, which took place during a courtesy visit by the NIMC leadership to NITDA headquarters in Abuja, is expected to strengthen the security architecture underpinning Nigeria’s digital identity management system and support the implementation of the newly amended NIMC Act.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the transfer as a demonstration of inter-agency collaboration aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He said NITDA had laid the technical foundation for the Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), assuring that the agency would continue to work closely with NIMC to ensure a seamless transition.
“Our responsibility goes beyond regulation. We are committed to supporting institutions that leverage technology for national development. We will continue to collaborate with NIMC and other government agencies to ensure that digital solutions are secure, reliable and accessible to every Nigerian,” he said.
The Public Key Infrastructure is a technology that enables the creation, verification and authentication of digital identities through digital certificates, providing secure and encrypted digital transactions and communications.
According to NITDA, the framework will play a critical role in implementing the amended NIMC Act recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The legislation seeks to harmonise identity databases across government institutions while positioning the National Identification Number (NIN) as the primary means of identity verification and authentication for public service delivery.
Inuwa also stressed the importance of Digital Public Infrastructure, describing it as a critical national asset comparable to physical infrastructure in driving economic growth and digital inclusion.
Responding, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, commended NITDA for its support, describing the amended NIMC Act as a landmark reform that modernises Nigeria’s identity management framework.
She explained that the legislation replaces the 2007 legal framework and provides the legal foundation for transitioning from a conventional identity database to a secure and interoperable digital identity ecosystem.
According to her, the new framework is anchored on the principle of “one person, one identity,” enabling every Nigerian to have a unique and verifiable digital identity while supporting secure interactions across government and private sector platforms.
Coker-Odusote added that the transition would be implemented in phases to ensure the protection of citizens’ data and maintain public confidence in the system.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration, noting that while NIMC will manage Nigeria’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, NITDA will continue to provide regulatory oversight, promote innovation and drive the adoption of digital technologies nationwide.
The partnership is expected to strengthen trust in digital services, improve identity verification, and advance Nigeria’s vision of building a secure, inclusive and innovation-driven digital economy.
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