…Governors seek leading roles in Nigeria digital transformation

States Governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) have demanded leading roles in Nigeria digital transformation, saying it has become necessary for the Federal Government to assign responsibilities to States and local governments in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
In particular, the NGF said they would like to take the lead in their respective states on the digital journey and in collaboration with other stakeholders.
The Director General of the NGF, Dr Abdulateef Shittu stated this in Abuja on Wednesday on behalf of the Governors.
He spoke at the Wells Carlton Hotel, Abuja, during a stakeholders workshop organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, on the review of the Draft Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the Draft Technical Standard for Nigeria Data Exchange (NGDX).
He said the conversation around digital infrastructure has become critical considering its significance to Nigeria’s development aspirations.
He said:”The goal of building secure, interoperable, and inclusive digital systems has become a universal objective. This goal cannot be achieved in silos by each government in isolation, it requires strong federal-state collaboration and robust multi-stakeholder partnerships.
“These partnerships should be sustained.
At the NGF, we have been intentional about ensuring that sub-national state governments take the lead in their digital transformation journey.
” Our DPI Readiness Report, the first -ever comprehensive assessment of digital public infrastructure, policies, and capabilities across Nigeria’s 36 states, was a major step in this direction.” Dr Shittu was represented at the event by his Technical Adviser, Mr Shina Ayotola.
Dr Shittu said the reports on states readiness for digital transformation have provided baselines in terms of ” digital identity systems, payment systems, and data exchange frameworks”. He added it had also offered concrete recommendations for closing existing gaps and accelerating sustained digital transformation in the states.
Dr Shittu who commended NITDA for organising the workshop said the doors of the NGF remained open “to all partners, federal agencies, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society organiszations who share our this vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria.”
” Together, we can ensure that every state, regardless of size or capacity, benefits from the transformative potential of Digital Public Infrastructure DPI, ” Dr Shittu stated.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Rafiu Adeladan said the conversation is centered on a concept that is fast becoming the backbone of 21st century governance and service delivery – Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
” Simply put, DPI refers to the foundational digital systems that enable seamless identification, secure payments, and trusted data exchange. These building blocks allow government, businesses, and citizens to connect, transact, and innovate with speed, transparency, and efficiency,” he said.
He added that the engagement with the NGF has become necessary given the facts that states are the front lines of service delivery in the country.
Dr Adeladan who was represented by the Director of e-governance in the Ministry, Mr Johnson Bareyei said the success of Nigeria’s DPI journey depends on how well the Governors integrate digital systems into their development strategies in the states.