National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has transferred its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) framework to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to strengthen the security and integrity of Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.
Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), presenting the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) to the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, during a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The handover, which covers assets, technology and ongoing operations, is expected to provide the security foundation for a modern, integrated and trusted national digital identity system.
Speaking during the formal handover ceremony at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said the move underscored the agency’s commitment to collaborating with institutions using technology to drive national development.
Inuwa said NITDA had undertaken extensive work on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and would continue to work closely with NIMC to ensure a seamless transition.
He explained that PKI provides the framework for creating, managing and verifying digital identities through digital certificates, enabling secure digital communications, authentication and electronic transactions.
According to him, the transfer supports 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 country’s foundational digital identity.
The NITDA boss reiterated the agency’s commitment to promoting digital adoption across Nigeria, stressing that its mandate extends beyond regulation to supporting innovation, collaboration and inclusive digital transformation.
He described Digital Public Infrastructure as a critical national asset that should be secure, reliable and accessible to all Nigerians.
Responding, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, commended NITDA for the collaboration and described the newly enacted NIMC Act as a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital identity journey.
She said the legislation replaces the 2007 legal framework and provides the legal foundation for a transition from a traditional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem.
According to her, the new framework is designed to promote interoperability, security and efficiency across government and private sector digital services.
Coker-Odusote said the initiative is anchored on the principle of “one person, one identity,” which will provide every Nigerian with a unique, secure and verifiable digital identity.
She added that the updated law also provides the legal backing for deploying Public Key Infrastructure and other trust frameworks needed to secure digital transactions and protect citizens’ personal data.
According to her, NIMC will implement the transition in phases to ensure data security, operational stability and public confidence.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, noting that while NIMC will manage the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, NITDA will continue to drive digital ecosystem development, technology regulation and nationwide digital adoption.
They expressed optimism that the partnership would accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and support the growth of a secure, inclusive and innovation-driven digital economy.
