The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has emphasized that adopting the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework is essential for promoting inclusion, transparency, and innovation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Dr. Salisu Kaka, NITDA’s Director of E-Government and Digital Economy, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja. He explained that the DPI framework is designed as a set of systems and solutions that enable seamless and secure service delivery through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This integration, he said, allows platforms and applications to interact meaningfully for the benefit of citizens, businesses, and government.
“DPI is about creating an ecosystem where data-driven decision-making thrives,” Kaka noted. “It ensures that citizens can access digitally enabled services in areas such as health insurance, banking, payments, credit, or conditional cash transfers. One of its key benefits is expanding access to innovative digital services that support society as a whole.”
The director described DPIs as globally recognized tools that help governments improve efficiency and accountability. He stressed that transparency and open data are natural outcomes of the framework. “By its nature, DPI requires openness. Most non-sensitive data within the system is open by default, making it available for auditing, research, innovation, and national planning. This strengthens accountability, builds public trust, and gives innovators and businesses the data needed to create better products,” he said.
Kaka further explained that the framework levels the playing field for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to innovate, scale, and contribute to economic growth. Through access to open data and payment systems, SMEs can secure credit, form partnerships, and reach customers more efficiently, helping them grow sustainably in the market.
He also highlighted DPI’s role in driving social inclusion, noting that the framework provides a trusted platform for governments to deliver benefits and services to underserved and vulnerable populations in a transparent and efficient manner. “DPI supports social protection by equipping government with tools to reach those most in need while adhering to existing laws,” he added.
Kaka assured that NITDA is working closely with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the DPI framework as part of Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda. NAN reports that the agency recently held a public review of the DPI draft, engaging the Nigerian Governors Forum and other key players across various sectors.