Data breach: FG to launch pilot phase of data exchange system by year end
By Blessing Emmanuel, Abuja
The Federal Government is expected to launch a pilot phase of its data exchange system by year end, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani has revealed.
Tijani made this known via his X (formerly Twitter) handle in response to recent allegations that the National Identity Number (NIN) slips are being sold for N100.
Reacting, Tijani confirmed that he has engaged with his colleague, the Minister of Interior, who oversees the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
He assured that the ministry and the NIMC are actively addressing the issue. Moreover, the year-old National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), under his supervision, has established data compliance mechanisms across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and has launched a thorough investigation into the alleged breach.
The Minister went on further to outline some of the measures he has implemented since his appointment to enhance the application of technology in government while acknowledging historical challenges.
Narrating his antecedents, Tijani said thus: “In October 2023, we released a whitepaper detailing his vision for leveraging technology to improve government processes and drive economic prosperity. The whitepaper, available [here](https://b.link/NigeriaDPI), has guided the ministry’s activities, particularly in strengthening data security and preventing breaches.
“For context, in October 2023, a few weeks after my appointment, I released a whitepaper (which you can find here – b.link/NigeriaDPI), elucidating my position on technology application within the public service and our proposed approach to leveraging existing investment in technology to accelerate economic prosperity through improved government processes.”
“While some may not have recognised the relevance of that publication, it has shaped our approach and activities towards strengthening the use of technology in government while protecting the nation and our citizens.”
“The very last paragraph of the whitepaper speaks clearly to how our approach will address and mitigate against issues around data breach and make our systems secure.
“Since the release of that document, we have initiated the following: Presentation to kick off an alignment with all permanent secretaries highlighting the importance of a structured Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) approach and the need for Data Exchange across MDAs to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity oversight for critical DPI.
“A 2-day workshop with Directors of ICT across all MDAs to enlighten and initiate a plan to strengthen DPI in Nigeria.
“Launched the #DevsInGovernment – a community of practice for all civil servants responsible for technology within the government which serves as a platform for enlightening and securing buy-in across the ICT cadre.
“Launched the Responsible Data Management Course for Civil Servants (a partnership between the NDPC & Datadotorg) to improve on data handling and protection across government institutions.
“Workshop with the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure, to assess the status quo and agree on an implementation roadmap for DPI in Nigeria.
“Conducted deep dives and knowledge exchange workshops on DPI and data exchange with Finland & Estonia as part of the design process for our Data Exchange System.”
He further expressed optimism that by the end of the year, a pilot of the data exchange system will be in place, covering at least five MDAs.
Tijani noted that the system aims to support Nigerians through critical life events by ensuring secure and efficient data handling.
The Minister also called on Civil Society Organisations and interested parties to engage with the whitepaper and participate in strengthening Nigeria’s DPI.
