NITDA Transfers Digital Security Framework to NIMC to Strengthen Nigeria’s Digital Identity System

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has transferred its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) framework to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and improve the security of online services.

The handover, which includes technology assets, operational frameworks and ongoing processes, is expected to provide the secure digital trust infrastructure needed to support a modern and integrated national identity system.

Speaking during the formal transfer ceremony at NITDA’s headquarters in Abuja, the agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Abdullahi, said the move reflects NITDA’s commitment to collaboration with key institutions using technology to advance national development.

Abdullahi said NITDA had completed significant foundational work on Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), adding that the agency would continue working with NIMC to ensure a smooth transition.

He explained that PKI is a critical technology that enables the creation, management, authentication and verification of digital identities through digital certificates, allowing secure and encrypted communication and transactions.

According to him, the framework would play a major role in building trust in Nigeria’s growing digital economy by ensuring that individuals and institutions can safely access and use online services.

The NITDA boss said the transfer aligns with the recently amended NIMC Act signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to harmonise identity databases across government institutions and establish the National Identification Number (NIN) as the central platform for identity verification and public service delivery.

“As Nigeria’s apex IT regulator, our responsibility is to help every Nigerian adopt and benefit from technology. We will continue to support NIMC and every institution committed to digitising public services and improving citizens’ access to government services,” Abdullahi said.

He described Digital Public Infrastructure as a critical national asset that is as important to economic growth as physical infrastructure, stressing the need for strong security, reliability and accessibility.

The Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, described the transfer as a major milestone in the implementation of the newly amended NIMC Act, which replaced the commission’s previous legal framework established in 2007.

She said the new legislation provides the foundation for Nigeria’s transition from a traditional identity database system to a modern digital identity ecosystem that supports interoperability, security and efficiency across public and private sector platforms.

Coker-Odusote said the reform is built around the principle of “one person, one identity”, providing Nigerians with a unique, secure and verifiable digital identity while gradually moving away from a card-based identity system towards secure digital credentials.

She added that the updated law provides the legal backing for deploying PKI and other digital trust frameworks needed to secure electronic interactions, while assuring that implementation would be gradual to protect citizens’ data and maintain public confidence.

Both agencies said the partnership would accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda by improving identity management, strengthening cybersecurity and expanding access to trusted digital services.

They added that the initiative would support a more secure and inclusive digital economy, enabling more efficient delivery of government services and improving confidence in online transactions across the country.