Nigeria has transferred the technology underpinning the security of its national digital identity system from the National Information Technology Development Agency to the National Identity Management Commission, in a move aimed at strengthening trust, interoperability and authentication across digital public services.The handover of the Public Key Infrastructure framework, announced on Thursday, gives NIMC responsibility for managing the cryptographic infrastructure used to authenticate digital identities, verify electronic transactions and secure digital communications as the country implements its new digital identity framework.According to a statement on Sunday, the transfer is expected to support the recently enacted National Identity Management Commission Act, which positions the National Identification Number as the primary means of identity verification across government services while providing the legal basis for a more integrated digital identity ecosystem.Speaking during the handover ceremony at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, the agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said the transfer reflects the government’s drive to strengthen collaboration among public institutions responsible for Nigeria’s digital transformation.According to him, NITDA has undertaken extensive work in developing the Public Key Infrastructure and broader Digital Public Infrastructure, adding that the agency will work closely with NIMC to ensure a seamless transition of the technology and ongoing operations.Public Key Infrastructure is a cryptographic framework that enables organisations to issue and verify digital certificates used to authenticate users, protect sensitive information and secure electronic transactions. It forms a critical trust layer for digital identity systems by ensuring that online interactions are encrypted and verifiable.The transfer comes as Nigeria seeks to modernise its digital identity architecture, moving beyond a database-driven model towards a secure digital identity ecosystem capable of supporting interactions across government agencies and private sector platforms.Inuwa said Digital Public Infrastructure has become as critical to economic development as roads, power and telecommunications infrastructure, noting that secure digital systems are essential to expanding access to government services and accelerating technology adoption nationwide.Related NewsNUPRC awards 37 oil blocks, warns against delaysFG settles N333bn GenCos debtsOPay unveils tech engine, eyes one billion users“NITDA’s responsibility goes beyond regulation. We are committed to supporting institutions that are using technology to improve public service delivery and build an inclusive digital economy,” he said.NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the transfer as a significant step in implementing the commission’s expanded mandate under the new law.She said the legislation replaces the commission’s previous legal framework introduced in 2007 and enables Nigeria’s transition from a conventional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem designed to support secure and interoperable digital services.According to her, the framework will shift Nigeria away from physical identity cards towards secure digital credentials anchored on the principle of one person, one identity, allowing citizens to verify their identities seamlessly across multiple platforms.Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. The handover of the Public Key Infrastructure framework, announced on Thursday, gives NIMC responsibility for managing the cryptographic infrastructure used to authenticate digital identities, verify electronic transactions and secure digital communications as the country implements its new digital identity framework.According to a statement on Sunday, the transfer is expected to support the recently enacted National Identity Management Commission Act, which positions the National Identification Number as the primary means of identity verification across government services while providing the legal basis for a more integrated digital identity ecosystem.Speaking during the handover ceremony at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, the agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said the transfer reflects the government’s drive to strengthen collaboration among public institutions responsible for Nigeria’s digital transformation.According to him, NITDA has undertaken extensive work in developing the Public Key Infrastructure and broader Digital Public Infrastructure, adding that the agency will work closely with NIMC to ensure a seamless transition of the technology and ongoing operations.Public Key Infrastructure is a cryptographic framework that enables organisations to issue and verify digital certificates used to authenticate users, protect sensitive information and secure electronic transactions. It forms a critical trust layer for digital identity systems by ensuring that online interactions are encrypted and verifiable.The transfer comes as Nigeria seeks to modernise its digital identity architecture, moving beyond a database-driven model towards a secure digital identity ecosystem capable of supporting interactions across government agencies and private sector platforms.Inuwa said Digital Public Infrastructure has become as critical to economic development as roads, power and telecommunications infrastructure, noting that secure digital systems are essential to expanding access to government services and accelerating technology adoption nationwide.Related NewsNUPRC awards 37 oil blocks, warns against delaysFG settles N333bn GenCos debtsOPay unveils tech engine, eyes one billion users“NITDA’s responsibility goes beyond regulation. We are committed to supporting institutions that are using technology to improve public service delivery and build an inclusive digital economy,” he said.NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the transfer as a significant step in implementing the commission’s expanded mandate under the new law.She said the legislation replaces the commission’s previous legal framework introduced in 2007 and enables Nigeria’s transition from a conventional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem designed to support secure and interoperable digital services.According to her, the framework will shift Nigeria away from physical identity cards towards secure digital credentials anchored on the principle of one person, one identity, allowing citizens to verify their identities seamlessly across multiple platforms.Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. According to a statement on Sunday, the transfer is expected to support the recently enacted National Identity Management Commission Act, which positions the National Identification Number as the primary means of identity verification across government services while providing the legal basis for a more integrated digital identity ecosystem.Speaking during the handover ceremony at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, the agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said the transfer reflects the government’s drive to strengthen collaboration among public institutions responsible for Nigeria’s digital transformation.According to him, NITDA has undertaken extensive work in developing the Public Key Infrastructure and broader Digital Public Infrastructure, adding that the agency will work closely with NIMC to ensure a seamless transition of the technology and ongoing operations.Public Key Infrastructure is a cryptographic framework that enables organisations to issue and verify digital certificates used to authenticate users, protect sensitive information and secure electronic transactions. It forms a critical trust layer for digital identity systems by ensuring that online interactions are encrypted and verifiable.The transfer comes as Nigeria seeks to modernise its digital identity architecture, moving beyond a database-driven model towards a secure digital identity ecosystem capable of supporting interactions across government agencies and private sector platforms.Inuwa said Digital Public Infrastructure has become as critical to economic development as roads, power and telecommunications infrastructure, noting that secure digital systems are essential to expanding access to government services and accelerating technology adoption nationwide.Related NewsNUPRC awards 37 oil blocks, warns against delaysFG settles N333bn GenCos debtsOPay unveils tech engine, eyes one billion users“NITDA’s responsibility goes beyond regulation. We are committed to supporting institutions that are using technology to improve public service delivery and build an inclusive digital economy,” he said.NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the transfer as a significant step in implementing the commission’s expanded mandate under the new law.She said the legislation replaces the commission’s previous legal framework introduced in 2007 and enables Nigeria’s transition from a conventional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem designed to support secure and interoperable digital services.According to her, the framework will shift Nigeria away from physical identity cards towards secure digital credentials anchored on the principle of one person, one identity, allowing citizens to verify their identities seamlessly across multiple platforms.Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. Speaking during the handover ceremony at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, the agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said the transfer reflects the government’s drive to strengthen collaboration among public institutions responsible for Nigeria’s digital transformation.According to him, NITDA has undertaken extensive work in developing the Public Key Infrastructure and broader Digital Public Infrastructure, adding that the agency will work closely with NIMC to ensure a seamless transition of the technology and ongoing operations.Public Key Infrastructure is a cryptographic framework that enables organisations to issue and verify digital certificates used to authenticate users, protect sensitive information and secure electronic transactions. It forms a critical trust layer for digital identity systems by ensuring that online interactions are encrypted and verifiable.The transfer comes as Nigeria seeks to modernise its digital identity architecture, moving beyond a database-driven model towards a secure digital identity ecosystem capable of supporting interactions across government agencies and private sector platforms.Inuwa said Digital Public Infrastructure has become as critical to economic development as roads, power and telecommunications infrastructure, noting that secure digital systems are essential to expanding access to government services and accelerating technology adoption nationwide.Related NewsNUPRC awards 37 oil blocks, warns against delaysFG settles N333bn GenCos debtsOPay unveils tech engine, eyes one billion users“NITDA’s responsibility goes beyond regulation. We are committed to supporting institutions that are using technology to improve public service delivery and build an inclusive digital economy,” he said.NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the transfer as a significant step in implementing the commission’s expanded mandate under the new law.She said the legislation replaces the commission’s previous legal framework introduced in 2007 and enables Nigeria’s transition from a conventional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem designed to support secure and interoperable digital services.According to her, the framework will shift Nigeria away from physical identity cards towards secure digital credentials anchored on the principle of one person, one identity, allowing citizens to verify their identities seamlessly across multiple platforms.Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. According to him, NITDA has undertaken extensive work in developing the Public Key Infrastructure and broader Digital Public Infrastructure, adding that the agency will work closely with NIMC to ensure a seamless transition of the technology and ongoing operations.Public Key Infrastructure is a cryptographic framework that enables organisations to issue and verify digital certificates used to authenticate users, protect sensitive information and secure electronic transactions. It forms a critical trust layer for digital identity systems by ensuring that online interactions are encrypted and verifiable.The transfer comes as Nigeria seeks to modernise its digital identity architecture, moving beyond a database-driven model towards a secure digital identity ecosystem capable of supporting interactions across government agencies and private sector platforms.Inuwa said Digital Public Infrastructure has become as critical to economic development as roads, power and telecommunications infrastructure, noting that secure digital systems are essential to expanding access to government services and accelerating technology adoption nationwide.Related NewsNUPRC awards 37 oil blocks, warns against delaysFG settles N333bn GenCos debtsOPay unveils tech engine, eyes one billion users“NITDA’s responsibility goes beyond regulation. We are committed to supporting institutions that are using technology to improve public service delivery and build an inclusive digital economy,” he said.NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the transfer as a significant step in implementing the commission’s expanded mandate under the new law.She said the legislation replaces the commission’s previous legal framework introduced in 2007 and enables Nigeria’s transition from a conventional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem designed to support secure and interoperable digital services.According to her, the framework will shift Nigeria away from physical identity cards towards secure digital credentials anchored on the principle of one person, one identity, allowing citizens to verify their identities seamlessly across multiple platforms.Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. Public Key Infrastructure is a cryptographic framework that enables organisations to issue and verify digital certificates used to authenticate users, protect sensitive information and secure electronic transactions. It forms a critical trust layer for digital identity systems by ensuring that online interactions are encrypted and verifiable.The transfer comes as Nigeria seeks to modernise its digital identity architecture, moving beyond a database-driven model towards a secure digital identity ecosystem capable of supporting interactions across government agencies and private sector platforms.Inuwa said Digital Public Infrastructure has become as critical to economic development as roads, power and telecommunications infrastructure, noting that secure digital systems are essential to expanding access to government services and accelerating technology adoption nationwide.Related NewsNUPRC awards 37 oil blocks, warns against delaysFG settles N333bn GenCos debtsOPay unveils tech engine, eyes one billion users“NITDA’s responsibility goes beyond regulation. We are committed to supporting institutions that are using technology to improve public service delivery and build an inclusive digital economy,” he said.NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the transfer as a significant step in implementing the commission’s expanded mandate under the new law.She said the legislation replaces the commission’s previous legal framework introduced in 2007 and enables Nigeria’s transition from a conventional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem designed to support secure and interoperable digital services.According to her, the framework will shift Nigeria away from physical identity cards towards secure digital credentials anchored on the principle of one person, one identity, allowing citizens to verify their identities seamlessly across multiple platforms.Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. The transfer comes as Nigeria seeks to modernise its digital identity architecture, moving beyond a database-driven model towards a secure digital identity ecosystem capable of supporting interactions across government agencies and private sector platforms.Inuwa said Digital Public Infrastructure has become as critical to economic development as roads, power and telecommunications infrastructure, noting that secure digital systems are essential to expanding access to government services and accelerating technology adoption nationwide.Related NewsNUPRC awards 37 oil blocks, warns against delaysFG settles N333bn GenCos debtsOPay unveils tech engine, eyes one billion users“NITDA’s responsibility goes beyond regulation. We are committed to supporting institutions that are using technology to improve public service delivery and build an inclusive digital economy,” he said.NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the transfer as a significant step in implementing the commission’s expanded mandate under the new law.She said the legislation replaces the commission’s previous legal framework introduced in 2007 and enables Nigeria’s transition from a conventional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem designed to support secure and interoperable digital services.According to her, the framework will shift Nigeria away from physical identity cards towards secure digital credentials anchored on the principle of one person, one identity, allowing citizens to verify their identities seamlessly across multiple platforms.Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. Inuwa said Digital Public Infrastructure has become as critical to economic development as roads, power and telecommunications infrastructure, noting that secure digital systems are essential to expanding access to government services and accelerating technology adoption nationwide.Related NewsNUPRC awards 37 oil blocks, warns against delaysFG settles N333bn GenCos debtsOPay unveils tech engine, eyes one billion users“NITDA’s responsibility goes beyond regulation. We are committed to supporting institutions that are using technology to improve public service delivery and build an inclusive digital economy,” he said.NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the transfer as a significant step in implementing the commission’s expanded mandate under the new law.She said the legislation replaces the commission’s previous legal framework introduced in 2007 and enables Nigeria’s transition from a conventional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem designed to support secure and interoperable digital services.According to her, the framework will shift Nigeria away from physical identity cards towards secure digital credentials anchored on the principle of one person, one identity, allowing citizens to verify their identities seamlessly across multiple platforms.Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. “NITDA’s responsibility goes beyond regulation. We are committed to supporting institutions that are using technology to improve public service delivery and build an inclusive digital economy,” he said.NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the transfer as a significant step in implementing the commission’s expanded mandate under the new law.She said the legislation replaces the commission’s previous legal framework introduced in 2007 and enables Nigeria’s transition from a conventional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem designed to support secure and interoperable digital services.According to her, the framework will shift Nigeria away from physical identity cards towards secure digital credentials anchored on the principle of one person, one identity, allowing citizens to verify their identities seamlessly across multiple platforms.Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the transfer as a significant step in implementing the commission’s expanded mandate under the new law.She said the legislation replaces the commission’s previous legal framework introduced in 2007 and enables Nigeria’s transition from a conventional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem designed to support secure and interoperable digital services.According to her, the framework will shift Nigeria away from physical identity cards towards secure digital credentials anchored on the principle of one person, one identity, allowing citizens to verify their identities seamlessly across multiple platforms.Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. She said the legislation replaces the commission’s previous legal framework introduced in 2007 and enables Nigeria’s transition from a conventional identity database to a modern digital identity ecosystem designed to support secure and interoperable digital services.According to her, the framework will shift Nigeria away from physical identity cards towards secure digital credentials anchored on the principle of one person, one identity, allowing citizens to verify their identities seamlessly across multiple platforms.Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. According to her, the framework will shift Nigeria away from physical identity cards towards secure digital credentials anchored on the principle of one person, one identity, allowing citizens to verify their identities seamlessly across multiple platforms.Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. Coker-Odusote said the commission would implement the transition in phases to safeguard personal data, maintain public confidence and ensure smooth integration across both public and private sector systems.Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. Under the new arrangement, NIMC will oversee the country’s foundational digital identity infrastructure, while NITDA will continue to focus on technology regulation, digital public infrastructure development and promoting technology adoption across government and the wider economy.The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions. The agencies said continued collaboration would be critical to building a secure, interoperable and inclusive digital ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions.